When varicose veins and spider veins appear, they are not only a cosmetic flaw, but they are also quite painful, leading to swelling, pain, and skin irritation. Sclerotherapy is among the most successful and safe methods of treating such types of venous problems. For many years, this relatively simple and safe technique has been removing unsightly veins from people’s bodies, without any significant risks. However, before you leap into the treatment, it is always valuable to have background knowledge of sclerotherapy, its advantages and disadvantages, and what happens during the procedure, among other things. Here’s everything you need to know before you begin.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the common name of a medical procedure which aims to treat spider and varicose veins. Here the treatment is done by applying a sclerosing agent by injects directly into the veins. This expert method stretches the wall of affected blood vessel and then shrinks it so that the organ can eventually absorb the clot. Gradually, all the blood is shifted through other, healthier veins, and the diseased one disappears from the visual field.
Sclerotherapy is a good solution for all varicose and spider vein treatments and therefore it is a great clinical treatment enhancing cosmetic appearance.
What Sclerotherapy Inside Out
The Process:
Initial Consultation
Before undergoing the treatment you will be examined by a vascular specialist or dermatologist. They will evaluate the state of your veins and decide if you qualify for the sclerotherapy treatment. This may include an ultrasound to map the veins and rule out any deep venous thrombosis (DVT) if any further invasive treatment may be warranted at this stage.
The Procedure
The giving of the treatment lasts a short period of time, mostly within 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and number of the main veins requiring treatment. Fine needles are used to inject the sclerosing agent – saline or foam or oil to the targeted veins. You will feel a mild burning sensation or tingling sensation during the injection but it is tolerable.
Post Treatment
After the procedure, you will be required to wear either compression stockings or bandages in order to support the treated veins and the blood flow. Patients are encouraged to walk and do normal activities in order to help the body heal and to avoid having blood clots. However it may take a few days before one can do vigorous activities.
What Happens After Treatment?
In the coming weeks, the treated veins will begin to shrink and their color will fade. However, it is worth mentioning that a few veins may not be treated properly after just one session and will have to go under a couple more treatments. Your physician is most likely to offer follow up visits in order to see if any progress has been made and if more treatments are needed.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Safe
One of the many benefits of sclerotherapy is that it is not a surgical operation, so there is no need for large cut, stitches or a long time to recover. There is no need to perform stripping of the vein which is fairly dramatic when one considers using a very small needle.
Fast and Easy
The process is usually performed in the doctor’s office and does not require general anesthesia. Most of the session’s take about an hour hence the patient can go back to his over activities soon after treatment.
Suitable for both Varicose and Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is also equally effective in treating both spider veins and varicose veins. It works better for small veins, but other suggestions such as immobilization may not be effective for bigger varicosities, sclerotherapy can.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Apart from providing relief from physical ailments such as pain and swelling, sclerotherapy may also help in enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the legs through the removal of ugly veins. This can help boost self-esteem and make it easier for patients to wear clothes that reveal the legs.
Short Recovery Period
Due to the nature of the procedure, which is quite non-invasive, most of the patients have very little or no downtime. One can reasonably get back to work and normal duties immediately on the treatment.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite the fact that sclerotherapy has been known to be safe, certain side effects and risks one should bear in mind before begins the treatment include:
Bruising and Swelling
They are People’s potential risk factors include bruising and swelling after the injection. Such side effects usually resolve after several days to weeks.
Temporary Skin Discoloration
There are rare instances when treated veins may be noticeable brownish discoloration or dark spots left behind. This is frequently observed among people with dark skin tones but slowly dissipates with time.
Minor Discomfort
It is not unusual for patients to report mild pain, itching or reddening at the site of injection following sclerotherapy. Such symptoms are normal and will usually disappear within a few days.
Uncommon Complications
Allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution or the presence of blood clots or superficial ulcers at the injection site are some examples of more serious and less common complications. These risks are low particularly when the procedure is done by an experienced health provider.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is generally suitable for most individuals experiencing pain due to varicose veins or spider veins including younger males and females, however it is not indicated in everyone. You may be a good candidate if: You have symptomatic or visible varicose veins and spider veins healthy enough to be commodified. You do not have any health problems such as diseases that cause blood clotting disorders or impaired blood circulation. You are neither pregnant nor lactating as sclerotherapy is contraindicated in these conditions. For the individuals with deep vein thrombosis and more severe vein condition it may be necessary to look for other options to treat them. There are specific features that your doctor will analyze to assess if sclerotherapy is a viable option for your case.
What to Expect After Sclerotherapy
Recovery and Aftercare: There are doctors’ aftercare instructions that are vital for recovery that should be adhered to even after the treatment. Other general recommendations such as use of compression stockings, restriction of long hours of sitting and standing positions as well as engaging in walking can also assist in faster recovery and better outcomes.
There will be noticeable changes in a few veins immediately after treatment, however, others treated veins will typically disappear within the next few weeks. In a few instances, more treatments may be needed to reach full results.
Conclusion
Sclerotherapy is an affordable method of treating varicose and spider veins which is minor invasive. It enhances the appearance and symptoms of problem veins in a fast and easy manner. After reading the process and benefits, you also need to go through the risks so that you can know whether you should go through with sclerotherapy or not. A visit to a vascular specialist is fundamental in getting the best management of your veins for the best outcomes.