How Sclerotherapy Can Help You with Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a treatment used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting a solution directly into the blood vessels or lymph vessels. This solution, known as a sclerosant, irritates the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. With time, the vessel turns into scar tissues, and the appearance of varicose or spider veins eventually diminishes. Sclerotherapy also treats pains and side effects caused by varicose veins.

How Sclerotherapy Is Performed

The sclerotherapy procedure starts with your doctor identifying the targeted veins and cleaning the skin around them. Then, using a very fine needle, the sclerosant is injected directly into the vein. This may lead to mild discomfort or a cramping sensation for a couple of minutes, especially when the solution is injected into larger varicose veins. The entire procedure takesabout 30 to 45 minutes. The number of veins treated in one session may vary according to the size and location of the veins. 

When to Consider Sclerotherapy

First and foremost, a consultation with a specialist will help you determine whether the procedure of sclerotherapy is right for you. After discussing your symptoms, your healthcare provider will tell you about suitable treatment options. If you have varicose veins or spider veins, consider treatment for sclerotherapy if you experience the following symptoms: 

• Pain or burning sensation in veins
• Rash around the veins
• Patchy or dry skin on the legs or feet
• Night cramps
• Swelling in the veins

What to expect from sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia, and usually takes less than an hour to complete. Also, it is normal to experience mild cramping when the solution is injected into the vein. After the injection, the doctor will massage the area to prevent blood from entering the vessel. 

You may be advised to wear a compression pad or stocking in the area for 24 hours. You may even be advised to avoid sun exposure, as it can lead to dark spots on the skin. Most people can get back to their daily activities immediately after the procedure.

After sclerotherapy, you can expect some common side effects such as:

• Bruising and rashes
• Skin discoloration
• Stinging
• Burning
• Raised red areas around the injection site

Contact your vascular care specialist if you experience more severe side effects such as inflammation, a swollen leg, air bubbles, blood clots, or an allergic reaction.

How Effective Is the Sclerotherapy Treatment

Sclerotherapy, as a treatment for varicose veins and spider veins, has a success rate of about 80%, and only less than 10% of patients do not respond to the injections of sclerotherapy. In such cases, alternative treatment options can be considered.

If you have been treated for small varicose veins or spider veins, you can expect to see fulfilling results within three to six weeks. For larger veins, it may take up to three to four months for results to appear. Veins that respond to the treatment will not reappear, but new veins might appear. Your doctor will conduct a follow-up around a month after to decide if you need any further sessions.

Are you looking for a renowned vascular clinic in Johns Creek and surrounding North Atlanta areas for sclerotherapy treatment? Call us immediately at 770 - 771 - 5260.