SCLEROTHERAPY
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. It involves the injection of a solution, known as a sclerosant, into the affected veins, causing them to shrink, collapse, and eventually fade away.
Contact AVC to see if you are a candidate for Sclerotherapy.
Overview of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins by injecting a sclerosant solution into the affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell, stick together, and eventually become scar tissue that is reabsorbed by the body. This leads to the closure of the vein and the fading away of the varicose or spider vein.
Types of Sclerotherapy
There are two main types of sclerotherapy:
- Liquid sclerotherapy: This is the most common type of sclerotherapy and involves the injection of a liquid sclerosant into the affected veins.
- Foam sclerotherapy: This newer technique involves mixing the sclerosant with air or another gas to create a foam, which is then injected into the veins. Foam sclerotherapy is often used for larger varicose veins.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy offers several benefits for patients with varicose veins and spider veins, including:
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- Improved appearance: Sclerotherapy can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins, leading to smoother, clearer skin.
- Symptom relief: Sclerotherapy can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling, and aching associated with varicose veins and spider veins.
- Minimally invasive: Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office or clinic with little to no downtime.
- High success rate: Sclerotherapy has a high success rate in treating varicose veins and spider veins, with many patients experiencing significant improvement after just one treatment.
Postoperative Care
After sclerotherapy, most patients can resume normal activities immediately. Compression stockings may be recommended to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the results of the procedure and determine if additional treatments are needed.
Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure offers several benefits, including improved appearance, symptom relief, and a minimally invasive approach. With its high success rate and low risk of complications, sclerotherapy has become a widely used and accepted treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.
The Sclerotherapy Procedure
The sclerotherapy procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office or clinic and involves the following steps:
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- Preparation: The patient is positioned in a way that allows the doctor to access the affected veins. The skin over the veins is cleaned and sterilized.
- Injection: Using a fine needle, the sclerosant solution is injected into the affected veins. The number of injections required depends on the size and number of veins being treated.
- Compression: After the injection, compression stockings or bandages are applied to the treated area to help compress the veins and prevent blood from re-entering them.
- Post-procedure care: Patients are typically able to resume normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy, although strenuous exercise and hot baths should be avoided for a few days. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the results of the procedure.
Risks and Complications
While sclerotherapy is generally considered safe, there are some risks and complications associated with the procedure, including:
- Temporary side effects: These may include bruising, redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site.
- Skin discoloration: Some patients may experience temporary skin discoloration at the injection site, which usually fades over time.
- Allergic reaction: In rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosant solution.
- Blood clots: There is a small risk of developing blood clots in the treated veins.
APPOINTMENT REQUEST
FAQS
Who is a candidate for sclerotherapy?
Candidates for sclerotherapy are typically individuals with varicose veins or spider veins that are causing discomfort, pain, or cosmetic concerns. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine eligibility.
How is sclerotherapy performed?
Sclerotherapy is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. A sclerosant solution is injected into the affected veins using a fine needle. Compression stockings or bandages are applied after the procedure to help compress the veins.
How long does it take to recover from sclerotherapy?
Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy. Compression stockings may be recommended to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Strenuous exercise and hot baths should be avoided for a few days after the procedure.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments needed depends on the size and number of veins being treated. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
Are the results of sclerotherapy permanent?
Sclerotherapy is a permanent treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. However, new veins may develop over time, requiring additional treatments.
Can sclerotherapy be used to treat veins in other parts of the body?
Yes, sclerotherapy can be used to treat veins in other parts of the body, such as the hands, arms, or face. The procedure is similar to sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins in the legs.
Would you like to learn more about Sclerotherapy?
TESTIMONIALS
Jack Wood
Marilyn Vogel
Dennis Smith
Me’Me’ Sannaon
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