Sclerotherapy is an effective way to treat both spider and varicose veins and is often considered the best approach to treat small-sized veins. Sclerotherapy treatment generally consists of injecting a special solution directly into a person’s vein. The solution makes the vein eventually scar and then disintegrate, which forces the blood to take a different route via healthier veins. Next, the collapsed spider vein is then reabsorbed back into the surrounding tissue and eventually just fades away
Following Sclerotherapy treatment, varicose veins usually fade within a couple of weeks, although sometimes it can take up to a full month in order to experience the full effects. In some cases, multiple Sclerotherapy treatments might be necessary.
Why People Get Sclerotherapy Treatments
Sclerotherapy is primarily done for cosmetic reasons in order to improve the overall appearance of unsightly spider and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy can also improve other related symptoms including:
- Burning sensations
- Aching
- Night cramps
- Swelling
It is recommended that pregnant women should wait until after their babies are born to get a Sclerotherapy treatment.
What to Expect from Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is performed in our medical spa without the need for anesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes an hour or less to complete.
During the treatment, the patient lies on their back with both their legs somewhat elevated. Once the target area is thoroughly cleansed with alcohol, a very fine needle is used to insert a special solution very slowly into the target vein. Typically, in liquid form, the solution works by gradually irritating the vein’s lining, which makes it swell shut and subsequently block blood flow. Finally, the vein turns into scar tissue and gradually fades away.
Some patients will feel some minor cramps or stinging as the needle is slowly inserted directly into the vein. If you start experiencing a great deal of pain, let your treatment provider know. Sometimes the solution leaks from the vein and into the nearby tissues to cause extra discomfort.
After the needle is removed, a compression is applied and then the area is gently massaged in order to keep blood from entering the vessel and to dissolve the solution adequately. A medical compression pad is often taped directly over the injection site in order to keep the target area fully compressed while the doctor starts to treat the next varicose or spider vein.
The Results of Sclerotherapy
If you are treated for small-sized spider or varicose veins, expect to see clear results in around 3-6 weeks. Significant veins may require more time to dissolve completely.
Most individuals return to their regular daily routine on the same day. However, we will likely suggest that you avoid any strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks following the treatment.
Research shows that using Sclerotherapy as an effective treatment to eliminate spider and varicose veins has a success rate of more than 75 percent in most cases for treating and eliminating unsightly veins.
If you’re ready to be rid of unsightly spider and varicose veins, South Lake OB/GYN and Advanced Surgery can help. We offer Sclerotherapy at our medical spa to help you get smoother legs. Contact The Spa at South Lake today to schedule your consultation.