Sclerotherapy
What Is Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment for varicose and spider veins, primarily on the legs. The procedure involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the problematic vein. This solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, effectively stopping blood flow. As a result, the vein fades within a few weeks.
Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body through the arteries, and veins carry the blood from the body back to the heart. As your leg muscles squeeze, they push blood back to the heart from your lower body against the flow of gravity. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves up your legs. If the valves weaken, blood can leak back into the veins and collect, causing veins to enlarge and become varicose.
Spider veins can also develop from weak or damaged valves. They may be caused by hormone changes, exposure to sun or injuries. Sclerotherapy is performed not only to improve the appearance of these veins but also to treat symptoms caused by these conditions, such as aching, swelling and burning.
How Is Sclerotherapy Performed?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the affected veins. This solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together and seal shut, stopping blood flow. As a result, the vein fades within a few weeks.
The procedure, typically performed in a doctor's office, takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The exact duration depends on the size of the area and the number of veins being treated. Specially trained nurses perform injections for smaller spider veins, while larger reticular veins are injected by doctors. Here's a step-by-step overview of what to expect during a sclerotherapy session:
- Preparation - The patient lies on their back with their legs slightly elevated. The doctor cleanses the area to be treated.
- Injection - The doctor inserts a solution into the targeted vein with a fine needle. The solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, stopping blood flow.
- Post-procedure - Depending on its size, a single vein may have to be injected more than once.
Treatment must be performed weeks or months apart. Multiple veins may be injected during one treatment session.
What To Expect After Sclerotherapy Treatment?
After undergoing sclerotherapy, there are a few key things to expect. Firstly, avoiding sun exposure to the treated areas is crucial for two weeks after the procedure. The inflammation caused by the injections, combined with sun exposure, can lead to dark spots on your skin, especially if you already have a dark skin tone.
Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings after sclerotherapy to help with healing and decrease swelling. These stockings maintain compression on the treated veins, promoting better blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.
Lastly, it's important to note that the treated veins fade within a few weeks. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the veins treated. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and instructions following your sclerotherapy treatment.
Is Sclerotherapy Treatment Permanent?
While sclerotherapy effectively treats existing varicose and spider veins, it's important to understand that it does not prevent new ones from developing. The treated veins do indeed disappear after treatment, but if your body is prone to developing these veins, new ones may appear over time.
The results of sclerotherapy are often long-lasting, but they may only be temporary for some patients. Some individuals may require future treatments if new veins appear. It's important to note that these procedures are generally considered cosmetic and are usually not covered by insurance, so patients should be aware of the potential costs involved. It's always best to discuss your individual circumstances, including the likelihood of future vein development and the associated expenses, with your healthcare provider.
Find a Vascular Surgeon in San Antonio, TX
The Vascular Institute of San Antonio, part of the Baptist Medical Network, offers comprehensive sclerotherapy services. Our team of professionals provides options that could benefit individuals suffering from vascular conditions, including sclerotherapy treatment and recovery.