Spider Vein Removal in Chicago: What to Expect

If you’re noticing thin veins close to the surface of your skin — specifically on your legs, feet and face — you may have spider veins. These clusters of tiny blood vessels are often red, blue or purple and can have the appearance of a spider web.

The good news is, today’s procedures to remove spider veins can be performed in a vein specialist’soffice, and for most people, no down time is required. If you’re thinking about spider vein removal, knowing what to expect can help you prepare for your procedure.

Spider vein removal with sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for spider veins. This office-based procedure typically takes less than an hour and involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. This causes the vein to close, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is later reabsorbed into tissue and eventually fades.

What to expect during spider vein removal

For the procedure, you’ll lie on your back with your legs slightly elevated. After sanitizing the area, your doctor will insert a solution (using a fine needle) into the vein.

You may feel some minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted. If you have a lot of pain, tell your doctor. Pain may occur if the solution leaks from the vein into surrounding tissue.

After the injection, your doctor or nurse will apply compression and may gently massage the area to keep blood out of the injected vessel and disperse the solution.

What to expect after spider vein removal

Most people can get up and walk around right after the procedure. Walking and moving your legs helps to prevent the formation of blood clots.

To maintain compression on the treated veins in the legs, your doctor will have you wear compression stockings or bandages for about two weeks. After treatment of facial spider veins, you may need to wear compression bandages taped to the area overnight.

You should be able to return to your normal activities the day of your procedure. However, your doctor will likely suggest that you avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks after the procedure. During that time, you should also avoid sun exposure to the treated areas. The injections cause inflammation, and when combined with sun exposure, can produce dark spots on your skin, especially if you have a darker skin tone.

Preferred care for spider veins and varicose veins

Chicago Vein Institute is the preferred vein institute in the city. We are solely committed to the diagnosis and treatment of vein diseases, and provide expert spider vein removal in Chicago. Our team of vein specialists is led by Dr. Mensur O. Sunje. A board-certified phlebologist, Dr. Sunje has dedicated his career to providing leading-edge treatments to help people look and feel their best.

Learn more about the services we offer by calling our North Center location at 773-231-9884 or our Downtown Chicago location at 312-234-0750