For years, the staff at the Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and doctors around the world have been using sclerotherapy for the treatment of spider and varicose veins.  This procedure injects a solution called a “sclerosing agent” into the veins to collapse them – making them less noticeable or invisible on the outside of the skin. However, a newer and “foamier” variation of this technique has emerged.  Doctors can now inject a carbon dioxide foam deep into the troublesome veins, using ultrasound tracking to clear out the blood and eventually destroy the veins.

While it may be scary to think of the destroying the channels that push the blood through your body – spider veins are, by definition, small veins that emerge typically around your knees, thighs, calves, and ankles caused from increased pressure on deeper, more vital veins and thus serve no purpose in pumping the blood through your body.

Foam sclerotherapy is unique in its reduced concentration of the sclerosing agent yielding more effective and longer lasting results.  Sclerotherapy treatments are also less invasive and require much less downtime than most other treatment options. Vein stripping for example has a 30 percent chance of permanent paralysis and can leave you in a hospital bed from one to up to three weeks!  Laser treatments are a viable alternative; however results may take up to a year to achieve. Sclerotherapy patients on the other hand average about four treatments with only minimal side effects including itching, hyperpigmentation, small blisters or ulcers, and temporary pain.  Dermatology Associates of Atlanta have a specialized Atlanta Center for Veins at their practice and have successfully been treating veins at their practice for over 15 years.

Although Dermatology Associates of Atlanta doesn’t currently offer foam sclerotherapy, traditional sclerotherapy and laser treatments are available. Visit our website for more information about the vein treatments that Dermatology Associates offer.