Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment that dates back to 1930s. It’s a procedure which is eliminating varicose veins and spider veins.
Varicose veins appear mostly on the legs and feet. They can be swollen, raised and discolored.
Spider veins are smaller, close to the skin-surface and have blue, purple or red appearance.
Sclerotherapy is the best option for these types of veins.
Are You a Candidate?
Before having a sclerotherapy, you will have your first consultation with a doctor. He/she will see if you are suitable for this treatment.
If you are pregnant, you should not undergo this procedure. If you have a history of blood clots, the best decision will be made on an individual basis.
Some other things will also be taken into consideration, as your overall health and similar.
Before Sclerotherapy
Before the treatment, avoid certain medication. Tell the doctor about all the prescribed and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements etc. you are taking.
For sure, aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided for 72 hours prior the treatment.
Don’t use any lotion and don’t shave your legs before the procedure to avoid irritation.
The Procedure
The doctor will first clean your skin around the veins that are to be treated.
Then he will inject sclerosing agent into the vein using very fine needle. Mostly used agents are polidocanol, hypertonic saline solution and sodium tetradecyl sulfate.
The patient can feel slight discomfort and cramping for about two minutes. The procedure lasts up to 30 minutes, and how many veins are injected in one treatment depends on the location and size of the vein.
After the Procedure
There is almost no downtime when it comes to sclerotherapy. You can continue with your daily activities right away.
You will get the instruction to wear the compression stockings after the treatment.
You should not use painkillers with anti-inflammatory properties such as aspirin and ibuprofen, because they can influence blood clotting. Choose pain medicine such as Tylenol.
Two days after the procedure, try to avoid direct sunlight, saunas, and swimming pools. Also, being active is recommendable, but you should stay away from intense aerobic activity (running and similar) for few days.
Side Effects
Common side-effects include itching, swelling and bruising. Also, it’s common to experience raised, red areas around the injected sites.
Larger veins that have been treated can become hard and lumpy and it may take a couple of months for them to dissolve and disappear.
Neovascularization (when new, very small blood vessels develop) can occur at the treatment site. It will disappear within three to twelve months.
What to Expect
As we said, sclerotherapy is the best option for varicose veins and spider veins. Already after few weeks after the procedure you will see the results.
The large veins will be visibly improved after few months. You will need couple of sessions to fully eliminate them.
We at [primary_practice] have highly professional staff that can help you get rid of those veins. Contact us.
