Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure used to treatvaricose veins and spider veins.
It involves the injection of a special solution into the veins to seal them off.
This forces blood to reroute itself to healthier veins.
Getty Images/Dr SICA-GARO/PHANIE
Getty Images/Dr SICA-GARO/PHANIE
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Most often, this is done to make it eliminate spider veins.
This involves injecting a substance called a sclerosant into the affected vein(s).
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
Spider veins may only require a single treatment, while moderate-sized varicose veins may require several.
Contraindications
Sclerotherapy is generally regarded as safe but is not for everyone.
Sclerotherapy should be used with extreme caution in people with untreateddiabeteswho may experiencevenous ulceration.
People with well-controlled diabetes are not subject to the same concerns.
There are salt-based alternatives that can be used in their place if sclerotherapy is pursued.
Spider veins can be found anywhere on the body, though they are usually found on the legsand face.
Varicose veins are enlarged, rope-like veins that bulge.
They are resulting from weak or damaged valves in the veins and are most commonly seen in the legs.
Anultrasoundmay also be used to establish the depth and direction of larger varicose veins for map out the procedure.
These evaluations can help estimate how many treatments are needed to achieve the desired effect.
These are often more effectively treated with surgery (a.k.a.
By following these instructions carefully, you are more likely to achieve the desired results.
Location
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure performed in a healthcare provider’s office.
Since sclerotherapy is typically performed on the legs, you may want to wear shorts.
Many healthcare providers will provide a pair of disposable shorts, called exam shorts, to change into.
Food and Drink
There are no food or drink restrictions required for sclerotherapy.
These drugs can promote bleeding, slow healing, and increase the risk of scarring.
You may also need to avoidtetracycline antibioticsandcorticosteroidslike prednisone.
Tetracycline may promote hyperpigmentation, while prednisone can alter the effectiveness of the sclerosant.
If upfront payment is required forcopay or coinsurance, call beforehand to find which forms of payment they accept.
Most people can drive themselves home after sclerotherapy.
If you are undergoing sclerotherapy for cosmetic purposes, photographs may be taken for before-and-after comparisons during follow-up visits.
The treatment area will then be cleansed with alcohol or some other antiseptic solution.
Smaller veins are treated with liquid sclerosing solutions.
Sclerotherapy sessions take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on how extensive the treatment area is.
If the treated area is small, you may only require one appointment.
If more are needed, healthcare providers will usually leave several weeks between treatments to allow for proper healing.
Most people do not feel any pain or discomfort.
This is normal and will usually resolve on its own without treatment.
If needed, you could takeTylenol (acetaminophen)to help relieveinflammationand discomfort.
Elevating your legs also helps.Bruisingis uncommon but can occur.
The one thing youmustdo is wear your compression socks during recovery, particularly when you are on your feet.
You will need to do so for seven to 14 days, depending on the extensiveness of the treatment.
You do not need to wear them at night while you sleep.
In addition:
After two weeks, you may feel tiny lumps in the treated area.
This is caused when blood becomes trapped under the skin and is completely normal.
The lumps usually dissipate over time, although it can sometimes take months.
If they don’t resolve, tell your healthcare provider; the lump may require drainage.
These can be treated with additional sclerotherapy orlaser skin therapy.
Long-Term Care
Your healthcare provider will schedule a post-treatment assessment once the entire planned procedure is done.
For spider veins and smaller varicose veins, appointments may be scheduled six to eight weeks later.
For larger varicose veins, your practitioner may wait three to four months to see you.
Once a spider or varicose vein has been completely resolved, it is unlikely to recur.
Likewise, most lymphatic malformations can be treated successfully with sclerotherapy; although, multiple sessions may be required.
This includes standing for long periods of time, wearing high heels, and being overweight.
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