Sclerotherapy

Varicose and spider veins can cause aching, heaviness, and self-consciousness.

At PromiseCare Medical Group, located in Hemet, California, sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for these concerns. This procedure entails injecting a sclerosing agent into the problematic veins, effectively sealing them and rejuvenating the skin’s smooth look.

Success rates for sclerotherapy range from 75-90%, making it a popular option for addressing both cosmetic concerns and underlying venous insufficiency.

Understanding the specifics of this treatment, including its types, risks, and preparation requirements, is essential for individuals considering sclerotherapy to alleviate discomfort and regain confidence.

Overview

Millions of people experience discomfort, pain, and self-consciousness from varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a sclerosing agent into affected veins, causing them to close off and eventually disappear.

The procedure typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, with minimal downtime for recovery. Common side effects include bruising, skin discoloration, and swelling at the injection site, but serious complications are rare. Insurance coverage may vary depending on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary.

Sclerotherapy has a success rate of 75-90% for vein removal, offering a promising solution for those seeking to improve the appearance and health of their veins. Understanding the benefits and risks can help individuals decide whether sclerotherapy is right for them.

It is essential to note that sclerotherapy is most effective for treating minor to medium-sized veins, and multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help prevent the formation of new varicose and spider veins.

Types

Sclerotherapy encompasses an array of techniques tailored to address the unique characteristics of various vein types. Different sclerosing agents, such as hypertonic saline, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and glycerin, target specific vein types.

Foam sclerotherapy, which utilizes a foamed sclerosant, is particularly effective for more prominent varicose veins, as it increases contact with the vein wall and allows for better distribution within more extensive varicosities.

For smaller spider veins, liquid sclerosing agents are often the preferred choice.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a targeted approach for treating deeper veins and managing venous insufficiency. This technique offers improved accuracy and patient outcomes.

The size and location of the veins and individual needs are assessed when determining the best course of treatment. Choosing the correct type of sclerotherapy addresses unique concerns and achieves superior results.

Understanding the various types of sclerotherapy enables informed decisions about treatment.

Why it’s done

Varicose and spider veins affect millions worldwide, causing unsightly and often painful symptoms.

Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment option that addresses both aesthetic concerns and underlying venous insufficiency. The procedure effectively closes incompetent veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels and reducing venous pressure.

Providing relief from symptoms like aching, heaviness, and nighttime cramping in the legs.

Three compelling reasons to undergo sclerotherapy include:

1. Alleviate pain and discomfort: Sclerotherapy offers significant pain relief from chronic venous insufficiency, allowing individuals to enjoy daily activities without discomfort.
2. Improve cosmetic appearance: The procedure effectively reduces the visibility of varicose and spider veins, giving individuals a more confident and radiant appearance.
3. Minimally invasive alternative: With a high success rate for vein removal, sclerotherapy is a popular alternative to surgical options. It offers a faster recovery time and minimal scarring.

Who it’s for

Sclerotherapy provides a treatment solution for people dealing with varicose veins or spider veins, addressing discomfort and cosmetic issues. It is especially advantageous for those with chronic venous insufficiency, which is marked by symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and swelling in the legs.

Sclerotherapy achieves a success rate of 50% to 80% in eliminating veins in treated regions, particularly for patients with small varicose veins.

However, sclerotherapy isn’t suitable for everyone. Individuals with a history of deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis may not be good candidates due to associated risks. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should postpone treatment until after these periods.

A medical professional will assess each individual’s situation and advise on the best course of action.

Understanding who can benefit from sclerotherapy helps you decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Sclerotherapy is a viable option for those seeking to alleviate symptoms of varicose or spider veins.

Consulting a medical professional is the first step toward determining if sclerotherapy is a suitable treatment option.

Risks

When considering sclerotherapy as a treatment option for varicose veins or spider veins, it’s vital to be aware of the potential risks involved. While generally a safe procedure, sclerotherapy can lead to complications, some of which may require immediate medical attention.

Potential risks associated with sclerotherapy include:

1. Localized adverse effects: Bruising, swelling, or darkened skin at the injection site can occur within 6 to 8 weeks post-procedure. These effects are experienced by approximately 30% of patients.
2. Systemic effects: Some individuals, particularly those with a history of migraines, may experience dizziness, chest tightness, or migraines after treatment.
3. Serious complications: Rare but serious risks include deep vein thrombosis, skin ulceration, allergic reactions to the sclerosant, and inflammation of the treated vein, which may require additional treatment or intervention.

It is essential to weigh these risks against the potential benefits of sclerotherapy, which include a success rate of 50% to 80% for vein disappearance.

How you prepare

Preparing for sclerotherapy requires a thorough understanding of the potential risks and taking steps to ensure ideal outcomes.

A physical exam is necessary to evaluate the condition of the veins and review the patient’s medical history, including recent illnesses or allergies. It’s essential to disclose all current medications, particularly blood thinners, as they may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure.

An ultrasound may be conducted to evaluate vein conditions and confirm proper treatment planning.

Pre-procedure instructions may include avoiding shaving or applying lotion to the legs on the day of the procedure and wearing loose clothing for comfort during and after treatment.

Adhering to these guidelines is critical for optimizing treatment outcomes and minimizing risks. Active participation in preparation is key to achieving the best possible results from sclerotherapy treatment.

What you can expect

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete. During the treatment, a sclerosing solution is injected into the targeted veins, promoting their closure and eventual absorption by the body.

Mild discomfort, such as stinging or cramping, may be experienced during the injections, but anesthesia is usually not required.

Mild discomfort, including a slight stinging or cramping, may be felt at the injection site, but this usually subsides quickly. Temporary side effects can include bruising, darkened skin, and small red blood vessels at the injection sites, which may resolve independently within a few weeks.

Post-treatment care involves wearing compression stockings for several days and avoiding hot baths, saunas, and direct sunlight to promote recovery and prevent new vein formation.

Visible improvement in spider veins can be expected within 3-6 weeks, while more prominent veins may take 3-4 months to show improvement.

Sclerotherapy has a reported success rate of 75-90% for vein removal.

Results

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively eliminate spider veins or varicose veins. The outcome of this treatment is promising, with a success rate of 75-90% for the removal of targeted veins.

Patients often experience significant improvement in the appearance of varicose or spider veins after treatment, typically for cosmetic reasons.

Visible results in spider veins can be expected within 3-6 weeks, while more prominent veins may take 3-4 months to show significant changes. However, multiple treatments are often necessary to achieve ideal results, particularly for more prominent veins or extensive areas of telangiectasia.

Typical post-treatment side effects, like bruising or changes in skin color at injection sites, usually heal naturally within a few weeks. Partial vessel destruction may happen, resulting in the recanalization of previously treated veins; however, further sclerotherapy sessions can assist in achieving full resolution.