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DR, MAREK

How Spider Vein Treatment Works

For leg spider veins, sclerotherapy places a small amount of a medical solution directly into the vessel, causing its walls to close. A surface laser can instead deliver controlled light energy through the skin to heat and close very small vessels, and is often considered for facial veins or vessels that are difficult to inject.

The body gradually clears the closed vessel over the following weeks. The most appropriate method depends on the vessel size, colour and location, as well as skin type and whether a larger feeding vein or venous reflux is present.

How We Do It

  1. We review your concerns, symptoms, medical history, medicines and any previous vein treatment.
  2. The clinician examines the visible vessels and checks for signs that may suggest an underlying circulation problem.
  3. Duplex ultrasound is arranged when symptoms, larger veins or the examination indicate possible venous reflux.
  4. The treatment area is cleaned and the selected vessels are treated with fine-needle sclerotherapy, surface laser or a planned combination.
  5. Compression, activity and skin-care advice are tailored to the treatment used and the area treated.
  6. A review is arranged when needed to assess fading and decide whether another session would be helpful.

Side Effects

Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, itching or a slightly raised appearance can occur after treatment. Brown pigmentation, small trapped blood spots or fine new vessels around the treated area may also develop and often fade with time.

Sclerotherapy can rarely cause ulceration, an allergic reaction, inflammation or a blood clot. Surface laser can cause temporary pigment change, blistering or a skin burn. Your clinician will explain the risks relevant to your skin, veins and medical history. Seek urgent medical advice for marked leg swelling, severe pain, chest pain or sudden shortness of breath.

Time to Full Effect

Some small vessels begin to look lighter within several weeks, while others can take a few months to fade. Spider veins may temporarily appear darker before they improve. Facial vessels treated by laser may respond sooner, but the timing varies with vessel size and treatment settings.

More than one session is often needed, particularly when several areas are involved. Successfully treated vessels can remain closed, but treatment does not prevent new spider veins from forming in the future.

Does spider vein treatment hurt?

Most people describe brief stinging, warmth or a pinprick sensation. Sclerotherapy uses a very fine needle, while laser treatment feels like short pulses of heat or snapping against the skin. Discomfort is usually temporary, and the clinician can adjust the approach if an area feels too sensitive.

Which treatment is better: sclerotherapy or laser?

Neither option is universally better. Sclerotherapy is commonly used for leg spider veins that can be accessed with a fine needle. Surface laser is often preferred for tiny facial vessels, vessels that are difficult to inject or when injections are unsuitable. The clinician will recommend the safest option after examining the vessels and your skin.

Will spider veins disappear immediately?

Usually not. Treated vessels may look darker or slightly raised at first. Sclerotherapy-treated spider veins commonly fade over several weeks, and larger or resistant vessels can take longer. Laser-treated facial vessels may lighten more quickly, but gradual improvement is still normal.

How many sessions will I need?

Many patients need between one and three sessions, although the number varies with the extent of the veins, vessel size, treatment method and response. Sessions are spaced to allow the treated vessels and skin to settle before deciding whether further treatment is appropriate.

Are spider vein treatment results permanent?

A successfully treated vessel may remain closed, but spider vein treatment cannot prevent new vessels from appearing elsewhere. Genetics, hormones, pregnancy, prolonged standing and underlying venous reflux can all influence future vein development. Maintenance treatment may therefore be requested over time.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Treatment may be suitable for adults who are bothered by visible spider veins and have realistic expectations. The clinician will review pregnancy or breastfeeding, a history of blood clots, circulation problems, skin infection, allergies and medicines before recommending treatment. Some conditions require postponement or a different approach.

Can facial spider veins be treated?

Yes. Small facial vessels are often treated with a transcutaneous vascular laser because the vessels can be too fine for injection. Treatment settings are selected for the vessel and skin type. Sun exposure and skin sensitivity are considered carefully to reduce the risk of pigment change.

Do I need a duplex ultrasound?

Not every isolated spider vein requires an ultrasound scan. However, duplex ultrasound may be recommended when spider veins occur with aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, recurrent varicose veins or other signs of venous reflux. The scan can identify whether a deeper source should be treated first.

What are the risks of spider vein treatment?

Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness and pigmentation. Less common risks include persistent staining, fine new vessel formation, ulceration, infection, allergic reaction, skin burn or a clot. The risk profile differs between sclerotherapy and laser, so informed consent is based on the specific treatment planned.

How much does spider vein treatment cost in Dubai?

The cost of spider vein treatment in Dubai depends on the number and size of areas, whether sclerotherapy, laser or both are recommended, and whether duplex ultrasound is required. A reliable quotation is provided after assessment, when the clinician can confirm the treatment plan and likely number of sessions.

  • Tell the clinician about medicines, allergies and any history of blood clots.
  • Avoid lotions, oils or self-tan on the treatment area on the day.
  • Bring compression stockings if the clinic has advised them.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.

  • Wear compression if prescribed and follow the duration advised by your clinician.
  • Walk regularly and avoid prolonged immobility.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas and strong sun for the period advised.
  • Attend review as advised and report worsening swelling, pain or skin changes.

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