If you’re considering treatment for vein conditions such as spider and varicose veins, you’re probably under the impression that everything will be resolved in a single appointment. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Veins do not vanish overnight. They require a great deal of tender loving care. The truth is that you may require more than one treatment to reach the desired outcomes.
Sclerotherapy, ablations, and laser therapy are just a few of the treatment options that are currently accessible. Most procedures are non-invasive and can be completed in your doctor’s clinic with little to no recovery time.
The number of times you’ll require vein treatment will vary from patient to patient. Every person’s veins are of various sizes and stages in their development. Generally speaking, the more serious your varicose veins are, the more procedures you’ll require. In this article, we’ll be talking about Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Using sclerotherapy to get rid of spider veins dates back to the early 20th century. An administration of a sclerosing solution directly into the afflicted veins is required for the procedure to be successful. In addition to injuring the vein wall, this solution leads the vein itself to disintegrate and diffuse into the bloodstream.
Both men and women are affected by varicose veins and spider veins. According to research, varicose veins are seen in approximately 9 percent of males and 13 percent of women in the United States, and spider veins are found in 29 percent of men and 41 percent of women. Sclerotherapy can greatly improve the look of the affected area of the body while also alleviating the pain and discomfort linked with these vein conditions.
Sclerotherapy: What Can I Expect?
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient method done in the doctor’s office by a dermatologist or a skilled practitioner, and it doesn’t take long. Your specialist may want you to sit or recline with your legs a little raised in some cases. Alcohol will be used to clean the area. The practitioner will then slowly administer the solution into the vein(s).
Afterward, your doctor will use cotton and tape to apply pressure to where the needle was put. The specialist may also gently massage the area to ensure that the solution spreads well through the vein. After the procedure, you will be able to walk about and move about freely.
How Effective Is Sclerotherapy?
According to several studies, 90% or more of targeted vessels can be successfully eliminated when sclerotherapy is done correctly. Before undergoing sclerotherapy, it is critical to have a thorough examination to determine whether or not the vessel is a good candidate for the process.
Sclerotherapy is frequently less expensive and less risky than surgery or laser treatments if a vein is a viable candidate. With a success rate of 80 to 90 percent, sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment for spider veins.
Is Sclerotherapy a Painful Procedure?
It is reasonable to anticipate some discomfort. Some patients report cramping in the leg, and according to the solution used, they may also suffer a sting or tingling sensation when the solution is injected into the vein. Your doctor may recommend massage to the area to help alleviate cramping during this procedure.
Is Sclerotherapy Safe?
Sclerotherapy complications are extremely rare, and the treatment is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. One of the most common local negative impacts of sclerotherapy is bruising.
Other common local adverse effects include:
- Temporary inflammation and blistering at the injection site.
- Hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the skin).
- Clumping.
It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to the solution being used, especially in people who have a history of allergies.
The danger of problems is also more serious when treating larger veins. As the blood vessel’s diameter grows, the volume and intensity of the sclerosing solution must grow in proportion.
There have been reports of stroke and mini-stroke in some individuals and vision abnormalities and heart attacks. However, it is difficult to assess the incidence of these occurrences in the general population.
Who Is NOT a Candidate for Sclerotherapy Procedure?
It is not recommended for patients with specific health concerns (pregnant women, people with a history of allergic reactions to the solution, and people with artery disease) to undergo the procedure.
Sclerotherapy may not be an option for people with systemic illness because of the poor recovery and contamination risk. Those who have uncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, or infectious diseases may be unable to receive this procedure.
Sclerosing injections can be dangerous for individuals who have a tendency to bleeding or bruising or who are currently on aspirin, NSAIDs, or vitamin E therapy because of the increased risk of bruising and bleeding.
During the initial visit, you should tell your doctor about your medical history and any safety concerns you may have.
After Sclerotherapy, What Happens Next?
The treated veins must be compressed after the treatment to aid in recovery. The doctor will prescribe a stretch bandage (such as an Ace bandage) or compression hose once the needle is removed from the treated leg veins.
Injection should be worn with the hose (or wrap) for at least 24 hours and whenever you get out of bed for 10-14 days afterward. Patients should wear the bandage or compression hose for at least three days.
There is no restriction on returning to normal activities other than avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity. One to two weeks after the treatment, patients are typically scheduled for another appointment.
Additional veins can be addressed at this time if needed. Retreatment of any single location, on the other hand, should be postponed for 6-8 weeks to enable the veins to recover completely.
How Long Do Sclerotherapy Results Take to Appear?
Spider veins usually respond after 3-6 weeks, whereas bigger veins take 3-4 months to react. There will be no recurrence of varicose veins if therapy is successful. But new veins may continue to form, so you may need to revisit for more injections.
Depending on the size and frequency of vessels being treated and the patient’s compliance with the directions for the usage of compression bandages/hoses and limits on activities, individual results may vary.
Book a Sclerotherapy Procedure Now!
The advantages of sclerotherapy outweigh the hazards by a wide margin. Several studies have shown that sclerotherapy can significantly improve the visual look of veins while also reducing the pain, burning, cramping, and “restless leg” syndrome that many people experience.
Clinics such as YS Skin Suite are glad to provide the services of a skilled dermatologic surgeon who is qualified to do sclerotherapy. Get in touch with YS Skin Suite’s helpful team about spider vein and varicose vein treatment options.
