What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used in the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. These two conditions fall under the umbrella of venous insufficiency where veins in the legs cannot pump blood back to the heart. Damage and weakening of the capillaries within the veins are what primarily contribute to this problem. Before seeking a treatment solution, it is essential to determine how treatment for these conditions work.

The Basics

Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting a solution into the veins, which causes blood clotting, contractions, and scarring of the affected vein. When the vein finally collapses, it is reabsorbed into surrounding tissue, and blood is rerouted through healthier veins, increasing blood flow and reducing the visible effects of venous insufficiency symptoms.

Sclerotherapy is non-invasive, meaning that no surgery is required. It is also a very low-risk procedure since the needles used are much smaller than those used in procedures such as vein stripping. Additionally, it does not take longer than 45 minutes; once the procedure is complete, the patient can resume regular activity.

Wearing a compression hose overnight after undergoing sclerotherapy can help with swelling associated with the procedure. In addition to this, a compression hose helps prevent blood from pooling in the affected area. The patient should also avoid doing aerobic exercise and heavy lifting at least 48 hours after getting the procedure.

How Sclerotherapy Helps

From a statistical standpoint, sclerotherapy treats up to 80 percent of varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy aids in eliminating the pain and swelling caused by varicose veins. For those ailing from spider veins, this treatment mode can effectively alleviate pain.

Possible Complications

Most spider vein patients experience a healthy turnaround time in terms of recovery after getting sclerotherapy treatment. However, some cases call for multiple rounds of treatment to eradicate the problem. If pain and inflammation persist after three to four weeks of treatment, more injections may be necessary. Even though sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure, some side effects include swelling, pain, and slight skin discoloration in rare cases.

Know Your Options

Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for venous insufficiency. Despite this fact, different conditions require different treatment solutions. In other words, it is wise to seek consultations to find out the most non-invasive treatment available and what solution is most appropriate for your situation.

Schedule a Consultation

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To schedule a consultation with Daniel Richardson Plastic Surgery in Gulfport, MS, please fill out the online contact form here.