If you suffer from varicose veins and/or spider veins, your vascular surgeon may recommend sclerotherapy. Here is some basic information to help you prepare for your first sclerotherapy procedure.
About Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a vein treatment option designed for people with spider veins or smaller varicose veins. It works by introducing a sclerosing solution into the vein, which irritates the vein’s walls and forces them to seal off. Over time, these veins will fade from view. Sclerotherapy can be performed in the office of a vein doctor without general anesthesia.
During the Procedure
During a sclerotherapy procedure, your doctor may begin by applying a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. He or she will then inject the sclerosing solution into your spider veins and/or varicose veins with a very fine needle. You may feel slight discomfort and/or cramping during this time. However, thanks to the developing of new solutions for this procedure, sclerotherapy isn’t nearly as painful as it once was.
The number of injections you will need during a single sclerotherapy session will depend on the number of veins your doctor intends to treat, among other factors. In most cases, a session will be complete within 30 minutes. Once the session is complete, you will be able to return home. Most people are able to resume their normal activity level shortly after the procedure.
Results
The results of a sclerotherapy session won’t be immediately apparent, and you may notice some slight swelling or bruising during your recovery. However, over the next few weeks, the treated veins will gradually fade from view. Keep in mind that you may need more than one sclerotherapy session in order to get your desired results. You may also need an additional sclerotherapy session if you develop more spider veins or varicose veins in the future.
Making an Appointment
If you are considering sclerotherapy, you can learn more about the procedure by making an appointment with a qualified vein doctor. To get started, contact the Vein & Vascular Institute today.