Sclerotherapy can be effectively used to treat spider veins. This web of red or blue veins is most often found on the thighs or lower legs of men and women. Sclerotherapy also can treat small varicose veins, which are larger, bluish veins that appear raised and often cause pain and discomfort. Sclerotherapy reduces symptoms and improves appearance of the skin in 85% of people who have spider and small varicose veins. Final results may not be apparent for several months.
Sclerotherapy is a safe outpatient procedure requiring no recovery time or anesthesia. Sclerotherapy uses an injection of a special chemical (sclerosant) into a vein through a micro-needled to damage and scar the inside lining of the vein. This causes the vein to close. The solution acts as a trigger to treat the surrounding vein ‘web’ and results in the treatment of an entire area.
A typical treatment may last for 15-30 minutes and consist of multiple injections. After the sclerosant is injected, pressure is applied over the veins to prevent blood return when you stand up. The sclerotherapy injection may cause discomfort or a feeling of burning or cramping for a few minutes in the area where the shot was given. You may need repeated sessions and many injections per session depending on the extent of the spider or varicose veins and type of sclerosant used.
This safe, non-invasive treatment eliminates the need for surgery. Complete correction of the treated area is not expected after the first treatment.
|
Sclerotherapy generally does not require any recovery period. You will usually be able to walk immediately after the treatment but should take it easy for a day or two. While bed rest is not recommended, you may need to avoid rigorous activities and strenuous exercise for a few days after sclerotherapy. After the treatment, patients might need to wear a compression stocking to help keep pressure on the veins. This reduces bruising and helps keep the treated veins closed. Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week.
|
