Sclerotherapy treatment improves the appearance of small varicose and spider veins by injecting a concentrated solution into the vein.
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Sclerotherapy is a treatment designed to improve the appearance of small varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a concentrated solution into the vein in a direct path. Sclerotherapy works because the injected solution’s properties that cause the vein to scar. This causes blood vessels to force blood from healthier veins to the collapsed vein. The collapsed vein then reabsorbs into the surrounding tissues.
The unsightly spider veins fade away within a few weeks, making for a successful treatment. However occasionally, full results may take a while longer to visibly present themselves, sometimes a month or more. In some cases, several treatments of sclerotherapy may be necessary to produce complete results.
Why Undergo Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy is mostly undergone for cosmetic purposes. With sclerotherapy, you will see significant improvement in the appearance of varicose and spider veins as you watch them fade in a short while. This treatment can also improve symptoms related to the varicose and spider vein problem such as resultant:
- Swelling
- Aching
- Burning Sensation
- Nightly cramps
- Bruising
- Raised red areas
- Small skin sores
- Darkened skin spots or lines
- Appearance of multiple small blood vessels
- Inflammation
- Blood clots
- Air bubbles
- Allergic reaction
Doctors recommend however, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding that you refrain from undergoing a sclerotherapy procedure until after the birth of your child.
What Are The Side Effects Of Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy is quite safe of a procedure to receive. There a few temporary side effects at the injection site which include:
Side effects usually dissipate within days to several weeks. However, some side effects may take months or years to totally disappear.
Less common side effects may require treatment. These include:
How Do I Prepare For Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Before your procedure, you will be scheduled for a physical examination. Your doctor will also collect your extensive medical history. During your physical, your doctor will examine and evaluate the veins that will be involved in the treatment. He/She will also check for any pre -existing diseases of the blood vessels.
If you are taking aspirin, NSAIDS or any blood thinner medications, your doctor will make sure you suspend your medication regimen before the sclerotherapy procedure in order to reduce the risk of bleeding.
The day before your treatment (24 full hours) you must make sure to avoid applying any lotion to your legs. Also make sure to wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing to your appointment. Consider wearing shorts.
What Should I Expect During The Procedure?
Sclerotherapy is usually conducted in your doctor’s office and does not require any anesthetic. The procedure usually lasts less than 1 hour.
After lying on your back, your doctor will use a fine needle to inject a solution into the designated vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, which causes it to swell shut and restrict the flow of blood. The vein eventually scars and will disappear.
Some people may experience minor cramps or stinging sensations when the needle is inserted into the treated vein. If you experience pain, be sure to alert your doctor. When the needle is withdrawn from the vein, your doctor will compress and massage the area to keep blood away from the injected vessel and spread the solution. Your doctor may tape a compression pad on the injection site to keep one area compressed as he/she moves on to the next vein to be injected. The amount of injections depends on the size and the number of veins being treated.
Post-Procedure
You will be able to immediately walk after the procedure concludes. It is important to get up and walk around to prevent blood clots from forming. Your doctor will request that you wear compression stockings or bandages for a two week period to keep constant compression on the treated veins.
Many patients will get on with their normal daily activities the same day they leave their treatment appointment. You will, however, be advised to avoid intense exercise for a two week period after the procedure. It is also important to avoid sun exposure to the treated areas during those two weeks. Inflammation caused by injections mixed with sun exposure will create dark spots on your skin, especially if you have a dark skin tone.
What Results Will I See From Sclerotherapy?
Noticeable results from treatment to varicose or spider veins will appear within three to six weeks. Larger veins may take three or four months to heal and show visible improvement. If you want maximum results, multiple treatments may be necessary. Veins that show a response to treatment usually will not come back, but new ones may appear.
You will likely need to schedule a follow up visit about one month after your procedure to check up on the success of the procedure and make a determination on whether or not further sclerotherapy treatments are needed. A six week waiting period between the first sclerotherapy treatment and any subsequent ones is the general requirement.
Success Rates
Sclerotherapy has a high success rate. Studies show that its treatment of varicose and spider veins has an overall success rate of elimination between 60-80%. Along with the benefits of sclerotherapy treatments, its high rate of success is yet another reason why both men and women consider sclerotherapy as the best cosmetic treatment for spider and varicose veins.