Millions of women are bothered by spider veins - those small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact, it's estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem. Women of any age may be good candidates for Sclerotherapy, but most fall between the ages of 30 and 60.

Spider veins are treated with Sclerotherapy. In this rather simple procedure, veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

The treatment lasts 15 to 45 minutes that requires no anesthesia, so it will be performed in an outpatient setting, most likely in your doctor's office. Although you probably won't want to wear any leg-baring fashions for about two weeks, your activity will not be significantly limited in any other way from Sclerotherapy treatment.