What are the alternatives to sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy uses an injected sclerosant solution to irritate and close selected veins. Pulsed dye laser treatment uses light and may be considered for some superficial visible vessels, with suitability depending on vessel colour, depth, skin tone, and location. Larger, bulging veins need a vascular assessment rather than a purely cosmetic decision.

Spider Veins are small visible vessels, while Varicose Veins are enlarged and often more prominent. Stasis Dermatitis can signal chronic venous pressure and may cause itchy, inflamed, or discoloured skin around the lower legs.

Record whether you have aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, skin colour change, or an ulcer, and whether symptoms worsen after standing. Bring a list of medicines and previous vein procedures. Ask whether the visible vessels are connected to deeper vein problems, whether compression is appropriate, and whether Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment is suitable for the vessel type.

Seek urgent medical advice for sudden one-sided leg swelling, warmth, pain, chest pain, or breathlessness. Arrange prompt review for a bleeding vein, a new ulcer, rapidly worsening redness, or darkening skin. Cosmetic treatment should wait until concerning circulation symptoms have been assessed.

Are these spider veins or varicose veins? Do my symptoms suggest a deeper circulation problem? Would laser or injection treatment fit the vessel size and colour? Do I need compression or another vascular assessment before treatment?