What Is Sclerotherapy?
What Type of Veins Can Be Treated with Sclerotherapy?
Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure. It takes just a few minutes for Our providers to treat a series of spider vein clusters. If you have unsightly spider veins, there aren’t really any restrictions on these procedures. Reactions to the sclerosant are virtually nonexistent.
Sclerotherapy does not work on larger varicose veins, the veins that push the skin upward. Too much sclerosant would be required. These veins must be treated with laser or radiofrequency ablation or with manual vein stripping.
Pregnant women are not eligible; come in a few weeks after delivery. Also, be sure to tell the provider if you have ever had a blood clot previously in your life. That could preclude you from having sclerotherapy, but he can decide based on your circumstances.
How Is Sclerotherapy Performed?
One of our providers use a very tiny needle for sclerotherapy. Spider veins are near the surface of the skin, so the injections to address them do not need to be at much depth. Because of this, patients usually say the feeling of the procedure is akin to that of a pinprick.
At the start of your session, A provider and you will discuss the spider veins and smaller varicose veins you’d like to remove. He then injects the sclerosant solution directly into the vein. At Southwest Vein & Leg Center, we use Asclera, an FDA-approved sclerosant solution that irritates the walls of the vein, causing them to collapse. This closes off the vein and any minor amount of blood running through it is instantly redirected to a healthier nearby vein. The vein instantly diminishes in appearance. Over the next few weeks, the body scavenges and removes the unused vein.
What Should I Expect During the Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Is Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins Permanent?
Once the provider injects these veins they close off. They will not reopen, and the body will dispose of them over the next few weeks. They are gone for good. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t develop new spider veins.
How Can I Prepare for Sclerotherapy? Preparation for sclerotherapy doesn’t involve much, but there are a few things you should do.
- Stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen), for one week before your sclerotherapy session. This helps to keep your bruising to a minimum.
- It’s good to be well hydrated prior to your appointment, so drink at least 16 fluid ounces of water four hours before your appointment.
- Don’t drink caffeine if you have a morning appointment.
- You’ll want to purchase your compression stockings that you’ll wear for the first 72 hours, and then as much as possible for two weeks or so. Look for 18-22 mm medical compression stockings such as Jobst or Sigvaris. We do have these for purchase at the office, as well.
- Don’t shave your legs prior to your session and afterwards for a couple days.
- Don’t apply lotion to your legs before your session and afterwards for a couple days (to allow the injection sites to fully heal).
- Wear shorts to your appointment, which is usually not a problem here in Fort Worth.
Recovery After Sclerotherapy
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
Does Sclerotherapy Work Immediately? When Should I Expect to See My Final Results?
For most spider veins, their appearance diminishes upon injection, but they do not fully disappear. The vein is now closed off, and it will begin to turn into scar tissue and the body will dispose of it. The process of the body fully removing the unused closed-off vein can take around a few weeks to a few months depending on the amount of veins injected. Larger spider veins may take longer, and some may require a second sclerotherapy session.
After three months, your final results should be fully visible and you’ll love the changes in your legs.