What You Need to Know About Sclerotherapy
Spider veins and varicose veins are common vein issues that can cause pain, itching and discomfort. Sclerotherapy is a treatment that can reduce the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins, as well as their symptoms.
The Vein Institute of Hunterdon (TVI) offers two types of sclerotherapy for vein issues: cosmetic sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Here’s more about the benefits of these treatments and how to contact TVI to request an appointment.
What Is Cosmetic Sclerotherapy?
Cosmetic sclerotherapy is typically only used to treat spider veins. During this minimally invasive procedure, a solution called a sclerosant is injected into the problematic veins. This causes them to harden, collapse and eventually disappear as your body reabsorbs them.
What Is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy may be used to treat both spider veins and small varicose veins. During this procedure, a vein specialist uses ultrasound technology to identify and see problematic veins that cannot be easily seen from the surface of your skin. Then, using a method similar to that used in cosmetic sclerotherapy, your provider injects your veins with a solution that causes them to close and be reabsorbed by your body.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Sclerotherapy?
This procedure may be ideal for you if you want to remove spider or unsightly varicose veins, or if your veins are causing symptoms, including pain. Your provider can examine your veins to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for sclerotherapy treatments.
What Are the Benefits of Both Types of Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy offers many benefits for people who want to minimize and treat spider or varicose veins.
Benefits of these sclerotherapy treatments include:
- Minimally invasive—meaning they require no incisions or stitches
- Quick treatment sessions that last between 20 and 45 minutes
- Minimal pain and discomfort
- Minimal to no downtime, meaning you can resume your usual activities afterward
- Reduced symptoms and appearance of veins
- Safe and effective, as both procedures do not adversely affect your blood circulation
What Is the Procedure Like?
Sclerotherapy treatment sessions are typically short, thanks to their minimally invasive nature.
First, your provider will clean and sterilize the injection site. Then, you may be given a local anesthetic to reduce any pain or discomfort you may feel during the procedure. After the area is numbed, your vein specialist will inject the sclerosant or medication that causes your veins to collapse or close.
The entire procedure usually takes no longer than 45 minutes, and you can either go home or resume your usual activities afterward.
Results
Your vein specialist can talk to you in greater detail about what to expect in terms of results based on the number, size and severity of your veins and symptoms.
Smaller veins may disappear within three to six weeks, while larger veins may disappear within 12 to 16 weeks. During that time, your provider may recommend wearing compression socks and performing mild exercises to promote healing and healthy blood circulation.
Contact TVI at (908) 788-0066 to request an appointment if you have a spider or varicose veins. Our vein specialists can review your medical history, perform an exam and determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for one of our sclerotherapy treatments.