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The Society for Vascular Surgery states that varicose veins affect up to 35% of people in the United States.
Varicose and spider veins are damaged blood vessels that can cause discomfort and affect your appearance. These unsightly veins are very common, but that doesn’t mean they’re welcomed.
Fortunately, you can seek treatment for spider and varicose veins through sclerotherapy.
But what is sclerotherapy, and what can you expect from your first treatment?
What Is Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure to eliminate spider and varicose veins. It involves injecting a special solution into the targeted veins. The solution irritates the lining of the targeted blood vessel, causing it to expand and then stick together. The vein closes off and fades away over the following weeks.
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for many people who are in good health. It may not be an appropriate treatment if you:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have an active blood clot
- Are unable to get out of bed
If you are a good candidate, the first step toward getting the help you need is to contact professionals like us.
Getting Sclerotherapy Treatment
When you schedule an appointment, we will assess the vein you need treatment for.
We will take your full medical history and ask about any medications you take. We can then explain what to expect from your procedure. The treatment process will depend on the type of vein we will target.
To prepare for sclerotherapy, you need to avoid blood-thinning medications for a little while, and you should also wear loose-fitting clothing. It is always a good idea to stop smoking before the procedure and to stay out of the sun.
Treatment of Spider Veins
Spider veins are small and sit near the skin’s surface, so anesthesia is not required. For the procedure, we clean the treatment area and inject the solution right into the vein with a very fine needle.
When we finish, we will gently apply a compression pad and massage the area to keep blood out of the injected area and help spread the medication.
Depending on the number of veins you need treatment for, a sclerotherapy procedure for spider veins can take between 15 and 60 minutes.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
For the treatment of varicose veins, we will first apply an anesthetic. We can then use an ultrasound machine to identify and target varicose veins, regardless of their depth. The ultrasound allows us to guide the needle to the exact treatment spot.
When we finish an injection, we apply a compression pad and move on to the next injection.
After the last injection, we will apply a compression garment to your legs. For most patients, the procedure can take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Sclerotherapy Aftercare
Once the treatment is over, you can get up and walk. We encourage walking because it can help prevent issues like blood clots.
For a few weeks after treatment, you will need to keep the area out of the sun, especially if the targeted veins are on your face.
After sclerotherapy for varicose veins, you can return to most activities immediately. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise. You should also wear your compression stockings according to our instructions.
For the next few days, avoid hot baths and saunas. For 48 hours after the procedure, don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications. You also want to avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
Depending on your individual healing response, the treated veins can take a few weeks to disappear. Although it’s not likely, you may need more than one treatment session.
Some people might develop small blood vessels visible in the treatment area. These are temporary and usually disappear in a few months.
Get Help for Varicose and Spider Veins
Treatment options are available for spider or varicose veins that affect how you look and feel. Sclerotherapy is a quick procedure that offers reliable results without requiring a long recovery.
If you worry about enlarged, prominent veins, sclerotherapy can be the solution. At Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center, we offer the necessary treatments. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
