Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Sclerotherapy is considered an excellent treatment for spider veins. The procedure requires injecting a solution directly into the veins that causes them to scar and the blood to flow through healthier veins. The spider veins collapse and are absorbed into tissues and eventually, fade.
Spider veins are not usually health threatening. People often seek medical help to remove them, mainly for cosmetic reasons. However, if you face discomfort because of them, consult a spider vein specialist in South Carolina to discuss your treatment options.
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Sclerotherapy: How It’s Done
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive and non-surgical treatment. The process is usually performed in a vein specialist’s office. Since it is non-surgical, it does not cause much pain; therefore, anesthesia is not used.
The doctor cleans the area during the treatment and injects the vein with an irritating solution called a sclerosant. The patient may feel a slight burn or tingling feeling, while some may feel nothing at all. After the injection, the doctor massages the area to prevent blood from flowing through the veins. Wearing compression stockings can enhance this procedure.
The procedure gets completed in about 15 minutes. The treated veins fade within two weeks, although it can take up to 2 months to see the full impact of the treatment.
Temporary Side Effects
Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure and less risky than most other treatments. The patient may experience a few side effects following the process; however, these go away within a few days or weeks. The following side effects may occur at the injection site.
- Raised red areas
- Bruising
- Various tiny red blood vessels
- Skin sores
- Darkened skin
In some cases, though rare, severe complications may occur, in which case the patient must consult their doctor immediately. Severe complications may include inflammation, blood clot, air bubbles, nausea, headaches, visual disturbances, coughing, and other allergic reactions to the treatment.
What To Expect After The Procedure
Unlike other treatments, after sclerotherapy, you will be able to walk and continue with your everyday life and do regular activities. Following the treatment, it is important to walk and move around to prevent the formation of blood clots in the veins.
However, there are some things that the doctor may ask you to avoid. For example, even though you will be able to walk, it would be better if someone was there to drive you home. Avoid vigorous workouts for at least two weeks after the procedure and avoid exposing the treated areas to the sun.
Once your spider veins are treated, they will not return. However, new veins may come up after some time. Discuss with your doctor if you need more sessions. Generally, a six-week wait is required before undergoing another sclerotherapy treatment.
