Sclerotherapy


If you are looking for a treatment for spider veins that has minimal downtime with real results, sclerotherapy may be exactly what you’re looking for. Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that is used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins, Sclerotherapy involves microscopic amounts of saline solution being injected into veins just below the surface of the skin. It has been a proven procedure since the 1930s and it is highly effective for unsightly veins. Before you visit our office for Sclerotherapy, your dermatologist will recommend that you avoid taking some anti-inflammatory medicines like Advil or apply lotion on your legs prior to the procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

If you are suffering from spider veins, you are suffering from varicose or spider veins, your dermatologist will determine if you are an ideal candidate for this treatment. Pregnant women are not eligible for this procedure. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility for this procedure will be determined on an individual basis by your doctor.

Post procedure it will be important to walk often to help with the healing process. Ultimately, if you are in good general health and understand the treatment process and potential results, this treatment may be right for you.

What happens during Sclerotherapy?

Before you visit our office for Sclerotherapy, your dermatologist will recommend that you avoid taking some anti-inflammatory medicines like Advil or applying lotion on your legs prior to the procedure. To start the saline solution is injected directly into the veins using a very fine needle. You might feel a cramp or discomfort for a minute or two following the injection, especially when being treated for larger veins. The entire injection procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Once injected, the lining of the blood vessels get irritated, which swell and sticks together, then the blood clots, collapsing the vein completely. After some time, this vessel will be absorbed by the body and will fade away. The number of veins that are treated during one session depends on the location, as well as the size of the veins. Additionally, the severity of the spider veins will affect the amount of time your treatment takes.

The number of veins that are treated during one session depends on the location, as well as the size of the veins. Additionally, your general medical condition will effect the amount of time your treatment takes.

What will my recovery be like from Sclerotherapy?

Post treatment, you may experience itching or redness and swelling in the injected area, but these side effects are temporary and will resolve within a few days. In rare cases of bruising, it may take a few days or weeks for the bruising to resolve. Some of the larger veins may become hard and lumpy and could take a few months to fully fade away. Any brown spots or lines that appear after the treatment will usually disappear within three months.

Most patients resume normal activities immediately following Sclerotherapy treatment. You will be encouraged to walk throughout your healing process and wearing a compression garment is recommended. Only cool showers are permitted for the first 48 hours. You must also avoid hot compressions, saunas, whirlpools, or any sun exposure.

What will my results be like from Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a very effective treatment with an impressive track record; only less than 10% of patients have not responded to Sclerotherapy. Less than 10% of patients have not responded to Sclerotherapy. For these patients, a different solution may be more effective for dissolving veins. Spider veins usually respond to treatment within three to six weeks and larger veins within three to four months. If new veins appear following your procedure, you should return for a follow-up treatment.A treatment series is often required to achieve best results since all of the veins will not respond to only one treatment. Also, since spider veins are a gradual condition, new spider veins will inevitably form over time, and you may require treatment every few years to maintain the results. You can be assured though that once your veins respond to the treatment, they will never reappear giving you permanent relief.

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