Is Laser Treatment or Sclerotherapy Right for You?

Many people with spider veins and varicose veins have heard of sclerotherapy.  What you may not realize is there are different non-surgical treatment methods that can provide you with relief.  Some of these include traditional sclerotherapy and laser treatment. All options are non-surgical, but they have major differences.  At Rao Dermatology, we choose the treatment options that best meet our patients’ needs.

Laser vs. Traditional Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is effective for the treatment of spider veins and smaller varicose veins.  With traditional sclerotherapy, a chemical called a sclerosant is injected into your vein.  The vein reacts by collapsing and drying out. Your body eventually absorbs the remnants.  Depending on the size and location of the vein, a liquid or foam sclerosant may be used.

With a surface laser treatment, no sclerosant is involved.  It is a chemical-free treatment option.  It is administered by directing laser light toward the vein through the skin.

Advantages of Laser Treatments

Laser treatment is the optimal way to address vein issues on your face. It is also more effective than traditional sclerotherapy in addressing telangiectatic matting, which are patches of tiny blood vessels.  In the case of very fine spider veins, that are too small for injection, laser treatment may be the only option.  The treatment is also preferred by people who dislike needles or who cannot tolerate a sclerosant. Sclerotherapy is useful for superficial spider veins and varicose veins. Patients with darker or tan skin may prefer the therapy to reduce chances of hyperpigmentation.

Endovenous laser therapy may be the most effective option for treating larger varicose veins.  It is an emulsion of conventional sclerotherapy and laser therapy.  Although no sclerosant is used, a laser probe within a catheter is injected into the vein in order to cause it to collapse and go away.

Which is Right for You?

If you suffer from varicose veins and/or spider veins, it is important to work with a team that is knowledgeable and skilled in all the treatment options available. Our experts at Rao Dermatology would love to help you. Contact us today for a consultation in Manhattan, Atlantic Highlands, Woodbridge, Fresno, or Hanford.

Manhattan, NY

Atlantic Highlands, NJ

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Fresno, CA

Hanford, CA

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