Sclerotherapy is a highly successful treatment option for both varicose veins and spider veins. This treatment has been used for decades. Because the sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to scar, the technique causes the blood to redirect itself through veins that are in better health. Most of the time, the surrounding tissue absorbs the ruptured vein.
The treated veins will begin to fade within a few weeks after the surgery; however, it may take many months or even longer witness the full benefit of the treatment. There are various situations where you could require more than one sclerotherapy treatment. This procedure is routinely performed for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of spider and varicose veins.
Because there are wide distinct varieties of spider veins, it is possible to choose from a wide variety of successful and cutting-edge treatments to eliminate them. Suppose you are going to undergo sclerotherapy because your vein specialist advised it. In that case, there are a few considerations that you need to keep in mind both during and after the procedure.
When you have sclerotherapy for the first time, you probably won’t know what to expect, and that’s understandable. The procedures will be spoken about, and any questions or concerns will be answered. After that, your treatment will be carried out in a manner that is tailored to the vein type that is being addressed.
A swift and efficient cure.
There is no need for an anesthetic with this short treatment. The operation can be finished at the convenience of a doctor’s office and typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. Laying down while lifting your legs off the floor is required. The vein doctor will use a syringe that has been packed with medicated microfoam to inject polidocanol into the affected veins. The liquid, which your system will refill, will shut up your veins. Patients may often get the desired effects they are looking for after a total of four sessions of therapy when the settings are ideal.
Some adverse impacts
Sclerotherapy is FDA-approved and has long been the preferred method of treating spider veins. Although brief side effects are likely with this medicine, serious adverse reactions are quite uncommon. Since the chemical solution placed into your veins is meant to irritate them, some people will experience irritation after the injection, such as burning or cramping in the treated area. You can also feel pinching as the syringe is inserted into the vein.
The therapy may have mild side effects, such as bruising or discoloration of the skin around the treated area. These detrimental effects often self-limit and pass within a few days. Sometimes, the skin around the treatment area darkens for a few weeks or even an indefinite time after the surgery.
You should be informed of the sclerotherapy’s unusual but potentially harmful side effects listed below. Other problems are less common, but they could still require medical care.
Inflammation.
Although the pain and swelling around the injection site are normally not severe, these side effects can appear. Your doctor could advise an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) to lessen the discomfort.
The clump of blood.
In the area where the doctor treated the vein, a mass of clotted blood may grow, necessitating draining. In rare cases, a blood clot in your leg may travel to a deeper vein (deep vein thrombosis).
Pulmonary embolism
A major blood channel in your lung gets blocked by a blood clot that travels from your leg. This emergency is called a pulmonary embolism. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience breathing difficulties, chest pain, dizziness, or if you cough up blood.
Bubbles of air
Your system can experience little air bubbles. Some signs of this illness include visual problems, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms should go away in a few days, but if you experience any problems with limb motion or sensation after the operation, you should talk to your doctor.
An allergic response.
Although it is extremely unusual, you may experience an allergic response to the therapeutic fluid.
a speedy recovery
The recovery period following sclerotherapy often does not interfere with people’s everyday routines or work schedules. To enhance blood flow through the veins and lower the risk of blood clots, it is advised that you stand up and walk around for a few minutes right after the treatment. You’ll be free to return to work or your other regularly scheduled activities the next day.
Your doctor would probably advise you to avoid direct sunlight for a few weeks after treatment and wear compression clothing throughout that time. The stockings will assist in the progressive fading of treated veins and prevent new spider veins from forming, in addition to exerting gentle pressure on the legs.
Although there is no downtime following the treatment, it does take a few weeks for the spider veins to disappear aesthetically. The spider veins may appear to have vanished rapidly, but they stay red for a few weeks before gradually fading.
There may be a need for further treatments.
The volume and size of the varicose veins on your legs may undergo several sclerotherapy treatments. The number of treatments required is determined by the size and location of the veins. The intervals between therapy sessions are typically a few weeks. After a course of treatments, it may take anywhere from one to two months for the full results of sclerotherapy to become apparent.
It is essential to keep in mind that the primary objective of sclerotherapy is an aesthetic one. It will not make any difference in the indications or symptoms of the more severe venous insufficiency that is the underlying cause of varicose veins.
Medical experts advise against receiving sclerosing therapy if you are pregnant or nursing.
If you have any more inquiries regarding sclerosing therapy, Nurse Lauren from DBA Modern Med is more than happy to help. The only thing left to do is make an appointment!
