Spider veins and small varicose veins can affect both the appearance and comfort of your legs, often becoming more noticeable with age, pregnancy, genetics, or prolonged standing. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injectable treatment that targets unwanted veins, causing them to gradually fade and helping restore smoother, clearer-looking skin and improved confidence.
At her boutique practice in Westport, CT, Dr. Ellen Mahony offers personalized sclerotherapy treatments designed to improve the appearance of visible leg veins with little downtime. Her thoughtful, patient-focused approach emphasizes natural-looking results and individualized care tailored to each patient’s concerns and goals.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are superficial, tiny, dilated capillaries (1-2 mm) ranging in color from red to blue to purple. Spider veins are technically known as telangiectasias and lie close to the skin’s surface. Diagnosis is based on their superficial location. The three most common presentations include a spider-like shape with a central dark spot and outwardly radiating fine, wiggly lines; individual tiny branch-like shapes; and, finally, thin, separate lines. The most common locations are the legs, followed by the face. Sometimes they are mistaken for a bruise.
All veins have one-way valves that allow blood to flow in one direction only. Deep veins have a layer of muscle that helps direct blood flow by contracting. Superficial veins do not have muscle and, for this reason, are prone to dilation because of weakening of the vessel wall from backflow pressure.
What Causes Spider Veins?
There are many factors that contribute to the development of spider veins. The most common risk factors include:
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Underlying genetics
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Obesity
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Inactivity
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Pregnancy
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Advanced age
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Prolonged sitting or standing
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A history of blood clots
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Sun exposure
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Estrogen changes
Risks of Untreated Spider Veins
Spider veins may start as a cosmetic annoyance, but can be associated with varicose veins. Spider veins will not go away without treatment and usually progress over time. Although not all people with spider veins have varicose veins, most people with varicose veins also have spider veins. Spider veins are easily diagnosed because they are readily visible on the surface. Varicose veins require additional steps. If there is associated leg fatigue, swelling, aching, and cramping, a diagnostic ultrasound to assess the deep venous system is recommended to guide treatment.
Treatments for Spider Veins
Treatment options for spider veins may include:
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Sclerotherapy: A minimally invasive treatment in which a specialized solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to gradually collapse and fade.
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Compression Therapy: Compression stockings may help improve circulation and reduce discomfort associated with vein concerns.
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Lifestyle Recommendations: Exercise, leg elevation, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting may help support vein health and circulation.
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Treatment for Underlying Varicose Veins: If deeper vein issues contribute to spider veins, additional vein treatments may be recommended after an ultrasound evaluation.
What to Expect From Sclerotherapy Treatment
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Sclerotherapy is a quick, minimally invasive in-office procedure used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins.
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During treatment, a specialized solution is carefully injected into the targeted veins using a very fine needle.
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The treated veins gradually collapse and fade as the body naturally absorbs them.
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Most patients experience little discomfort and can return to normal daily activities shortly after treatment.
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Mild redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness near the injection sites may occur temporarily.
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Compression stockings may be recommended after treatment to support healing and improve results.
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Multiple treatment sessions may be needed, depending on the number and size of veins being treated.
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Results typically improve gradually over several weeks as the treated veins fade from view.
Preparing for Sclerotherapy
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Avoid aspirin or aspirin-like medications (NSAIDs) for 2 weeks before treatment
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Avoid blood thinners
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Avoid smoking for 2 weeks before treatment
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Wash the area to be treated with antibacterial soap the morning of your procedure
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Stay hydrated
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Avoid lotion or shaving before treatment
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Wear loose-fitting clothes
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Bring your compression stockings
Risks of Sclerotherapy Treatment
It is normal for the treated area to be slightly inflamed and itch. These issues usually resolve in a few hours. It is also possible to develop bruising, redness, superficial pain, inflammation, and discoloration.
Preventing Spider Veins
Although there is no sure way to prevent spider veins, making certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing them. Lifestyle changes include:
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Losing weight
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Exercising regularly
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Wearing support stockings and comfortable, flat shoes.
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Moving the legs frequently, especially during long periods of sitting or standing in one place
The presence of several clusters of spider veins is a reason to investigate the possibility of a deeper vein problem as the underlying cause. In this case, treating the deeper veins may reduce the future development of spider veins.
Why Choose Dr. Ellen Mahony for Sclerotherapy
Dr. Ellen Mahony provides personalized sclerotherapy treatments to improve the appearance of spider veins and help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their skin. She takes a careful, individualized approach to vein treatment, evaluating each patient’s concerns and recommending the most appropriate treatment plan for natural-looking results.
Patients choose Dr. Mahony because of her:
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Board certification in plastic surgery
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Extensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery training
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Personalized, patient-focused care
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Sophisticated aesthetic approach
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Attention to detail and natural-looking outcomes
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Boutique practice environment focused on comfort and support
Her thoughtful approach helps patients achieve smoother, clearer-looking legs with minimally invasive treatment and little downtime.
Restore Smoother, Clearer-Looking Legs With Sclerotherapy in Westport, CT
Sclerotherapy is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for reducing the appearance of spider veins and improving the overall appearance of the legs. Dr. Ellen Mahony provides personalized vein treatments designed to help patients feel more confident and comfortable with natural-looking results.
To learn more about sclerotherapy in Westport and Fairfield, contact Dr. Ellen Mahony, MD at 203-221-0102 to schedule your private consultation.
