All About Sclerotherapy Treatment

Spider veins and varicose veins can often prevent legs and lower extremities from looking their best. In some cases, they can also cause pain, swelling, and discomfort and interfere with daily activities.

Fortunately, sclerotherapy is a safe and effective way that patients can eliminate varicose veins without surgery or downtime.

Keep reading to learn all about sclerotherapy for beginners and what patients can expect should they decide to undergo this tried and true treatment.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that corrects spider and varicose veins with the injection of a sclerosing agent into the damaged vein.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

The injectable solution dries out cells that line the affected blood vessel. As a result, the vein collapses and is reabsorbed by the body over the next several weeks.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Any healthy adult that has visible spider veins and small varicose veins should consider treatment with sclerotherapy.

However, contraindications for this procedure include cardiovascular disease, any blood-related medical condition, and obesity. Patients that are taking blood-thinning medication are also not ideal candidates.

How Is Sclerotherapy Performed?

Sclerotherapy is performed in an office-setting with the option of a local or topical anesthetic.

To start, an ultrasound may be used to locate and visualized the affected vein. Next, the treatment area is cleansed, and the sclerosant is administered as a series of injections with an ultra-thin needle.

Immediately after, the patient will be bandaged and placed in compression stockings, the latter of which, must be worn for two weeks.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

The treatment typically takes 15-45 minutes per session. For optimal results, a series of three-to-four sessions spaced a month apart is recommended.

Is There Any Downtime With Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a zero-downtime treatment. However, patients should avoid intense exercise and prolonged periods of standing for 1 week post-procedure.

Additionally, they may note redness, darkening of veins, and bruising that subsides in one-to-two weeks.

When Can Patients Expect to See Results?

The results of sclerotherapy occur gradually over the course of three weeks to three months. Nevertheless, the treatment is highly effective with up to 80% of treated veins disappearing as well as a decrease in any associated pain or discomfort.

To ask any additional questions about sclerotherapy, please call the Vein Center of Maryland today to schedule a consultation.