Creams to fade spider veins - anyone used them?

[paolosgirl]

My legs (after 3 pregnancies) now look like a road map of the UK - so horrible that I don't wear anything shorter than mid calf length, and swimming is a no-no.

Do these creams work or should I save myself 20 quid?

don't think creams will work but I had injections to remove varicose veins on both legs about 3 years ago and they worked a treat. Didn't hurt much but you do have to wear v tight surgical stockings for about a month which are the devil to get on and off! HTH

Thanks Oxo. I'm not sure if varicose veins are the same - I think you can get laser treatment for spider veins, but it seems very expensive

Sorry, I should have said I had spider veins, not varicose . I asked my doctor about laser treatment but he said that a) it was expensive and not covered by my health insurance and that b)this was, in his opinion, the better option. To be fair, they have not come back yet.

Thanks Oxo - my New Year's resolution is to do something about these blighters!

Creams don't work. Used them all. Off to get the injections in the New Year! Oxo, did you get a good cosmetic effect then?

LadyThompson, they faded completely after about 3 months. I was really pleased with the result but you do have to wear the surgical stockings for about a month afterwards, day and night, or they just come back straight away or so I was told. I was pretty surprised at how well it worked TBH

What do I look for when I make an appointment? Do you just go to a beauticians or are there sspecialist places? What is the treatment called?

The treatment is called sclerotherapy and involves injections into the legs with a very fine needle - google it and you'll get lots more accurate information. I found it didn't hurt but 'pricked' a little as the cold fluid was injected into my legs.

I had my treatment done at my local hospital after first visiting my GP - not sure what the protocol is in UK as I live in Holland where you have to pay into a private insurance scheme and my treament was covered under my insurance. Good luck. I have been very pleased with the results.

Thanks Oxo. I'll try my GP first and ask them to point me in the direction of someone reputable who does sclerotherapy.