Sclerotherapy Isn’t Considered a Varicose Vein Medical Procedure – Here’s Why
If you’ve done any research on how to get rid of your insufficient veins, it’s likely that you’ve been introduced to a variety of treatment options, including sclerotherapy. Although choices can be beneficial, they can also make it difficult to know which treatment will resolve your vein issues and provide you with the relief you’re looking for.
Sclerotherapy is just one treatment option available to you, and is best for patients experiencing spider veins and smaller, more superficial vein tributaries. Learning more about each treatment will help you and your vein specialist make an informed decision regarding the best course of therapy for your venous disease.
Here’s what you need to know about sclerotherapy, and how it’s used to treat your spider veins.
Sclerotherapy: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Sclerotherapy is an injectable vein treatment that is primarily used for spider veins and smaller vein tributaries. In rare cases, it may be used to treat varicose veins.
During this treatment, a sclerosing solution is injected directly into the vessel to irritate and inflame it. This causes the vein to seal and remove itself from circulation, where the body naturally absorbs it.
Sclerotherapy Is Not a Varicose Vein Medical Procedure
Sclerotherapy is not recommended for patients experiencing varicose veins and other symptoms of venous disease. Other vein treatments, like endovenous laser ablation and microphlebectomy, are better suited for these concerns and will provide you with greater results.
Is It Safe?
Sclerotherapy is a completely safe spider vein treatment that may come with some minor side effects. Complications are very rare.
After their treatment, some patients might notice bruising and soreness at the injection site. This is normal and typically subsides quickly.
Sclerotherapy Results
Every patient is different, but multiple sclerotherapy treatments are usually required to achieve optimal results. These treatments are spaced several weeks apart. Spider veins typically resolve within three to six weeks.
At your consultation, your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. This will give you a good idea of when you can expect to see results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Patients experiencing spider veins and small superficial veins are likely to benefit from sclerotherapy. It is usually not the best medical procedure for varicose veins. Treatments vary from patient to patient, and a consultation is the only way to know if sclerotherapy is the right choice to meet your needs.
Although spider veins can present themselves at any point in life, sclerotherapy patients are typically between ages 30 to 60.
To qualify for this treatment, patients should have no history of blood clotting, and are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
What to Do Before and After Your Treatment
Before getting sclerotherapy near you, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a medical provider. This will determine if sclerotherapy is the correct treatment option for your veins.
Sclerotherapy is a quick, virtually painless vein treatment that takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Some patients report a mild discomfort during the injection of the sclerosant that lasts for a few minutes.
There are a few things you should do before each session to prepare for sclerotherapy:
- Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Don’t apply lotion on the treated area
One of the main reasons sclerotherapy is such a popular spider vein treatment is because it requires little to no downtime or recovery time.
However, there are some best practices that promote a smooth recovery following your treatment:
- Wear prescription-grade compression stockings
- Avoid exercise for one week
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, and UV exposure
- Schedule a follow-up treatment
Who Should I Trust With Sclerotherapy?
For the best results and treatment possible, only a qualified vein specialist in your area should perform sclerotherapy. Before your treatments begin, you’ll want to do plenty of research to make sure you see an experienced provider.
The office of your vein specialist should offer a variety of treatments and updated, modern technology. Vein care is different for everyone, and your provider will use their expertise to treat your spider veins as efficiently as possible.
Learn More About Sclerotherapy Near You
Sclerotherapy is an extremely effective treatment used to treat small insufficient veins. It requires minimal downtime, so you won’t have to put your life on hold to finally get the relief you’ve been looking for.
Before you consider sclerotherapy near you, it’s a good idea to learn more about it and get your questions answered by a professional. Contact a vein specialist to get started.