Written By: Emma Squillace
Did you know sclerotherapy has been used by vein specialists for treating visible veins since the ‘60s? Plenty of us have an older relative, or know someone, who had this type of treatment many years ago. While the last few decades have brought major advances in the ability to treat visible veins, sclerotherapy has remained a popular option. This is due in part to the medical advances that we’ve seen with sclerotherapy. The procedure today is more gentle, safe, and effective than ever before. At West Medical, many of our patients choose sclerotherapy to treat veins that make them self-conscious about their appearance. Here are five of the reasons why:
Sclerotherapy is quick
Depending on how many veins you would like to have treated, the sclerotherapy treatment can be completed in as little as five minutes. While plenty of patients finish their treatment in under twenty minutes, some of our patients spend up to an hour getting sclerotherapy, because they have chosen to have more veins treated that day. Even treating large spider veins can be done quickly with this procedure.
No need for anesthesia
Sclerotherapy is so minimally invasive that there is no need for even local anesthesia. This makes sclerotherapy different from some vein treatments that need local – or even general – anesthesia. The procedure is done by injecting your veins with a very fine needle. The insertion of a needle generally feels like a small pin prick. You may feel a burning sensation as the sclerosant is injected, but this generally does not last long. After sclerotherapy treatment, some patient feel itchiness or soreness, and may have some bruising. These side effects will generally go away on their own, and are not a cause for concern.
Very safe option
If you’re interested in a safe and effective method of treating spider veins, sclerotherapy is a great option for many people. Because it is not a surgical procedure – like vein ligation and stripping – it has fewer risks. Some people like sclerotherapy because they know it’s a treatment that does not affect your larger circulatory system. Sclerotherapy simply collapses the vein we are treating, and it disappears.
Effective treatment
When performed by an expert, sclerotherapy can be a highly effective treatment for both spider veins and reticular veins. After your treatment we may ask you to try wearing compression stockings to promote healing and improve blood flow. While many people seek treatment for veins on their legs, sclerotherapy can also be an effective treatment for visible veins on other parts of the body, like the arms and face.
No down time
After a brief visit to our office for treatment, you’ll be on your way with no downtime. Our experts will ask you to refrain from doing any vigorous or strenuous activity right away. We’ll also ask you to make sure you do some walking regularly throughout the days following your procedure. This is because the veins that have been treated don’t collapse right away – they need time for the treatment to work. So by walking, you ensure good blood flow which is beneficial for your legs and the success of the procedure.
Although sclerotherapy has been around for decades, recent innovations have made this treatment safer and more comfortable than ever. If you have visible veins, sclerotherapy may be a good treatment option for you. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what type of visible veins you have, so the best way to learn about treatment options is by first having a thorough exam. Our vein experts can then let you know if sclerotherapy, or another option, may give you the best chance of success. Our vein team is happy to speak with you, and can be reached at (855) 690-0565.