10 FAQ's About Sclerotherap

1) What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a common spider vein treatment that is also sometimes used in the treatment of varicose veins. It is the most popular procedure for spider veins and patients experience great results with one or more procedures.

During the procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the affected veins. This solution causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein, causing it to collapse. Over time, the treated vein fades away enough to not be seen.

2) Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy?

Most patients are excellent candidates for sclerotherapy. If you are pregnant or have a history of blood clots in the treatment area, your doctor may recommend an alternate treatment method.

3) How is the procedure administered?

After cleaning the affected area, the doctor will use a very fine needle to inject the sclerosant into the affected vein. Following the procedure, you will not require any bandage.

4) Is sclerotherapy painful?

Sclerotherapy is virtually painless. You may apply a topical numbing agent to eliminate the pricking sensation of the injection needle, but it is not required. It is best applied 30-45 minutes before treatment.

5) What areas of the body can be treated?

Sclerotherapy can be administered almost anywhere on the body that spider veins appear.

6) Is sclerotherapy safe?

Sclerotherapy is considered safe for most patients. During your initial consultation, we will review your medical history and examine your veins to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

7) What results can I expect after sclerotherapy?

You can expect to see full results within three to six weeks after your procedure. Some larger veins can take longer, and may require more than one treatment. After your procedure, the treated veins will not return.

8) What is the recovery time?

One of the incredible aspects of sclerotherapy is that it requires no downtime. You will be able to immediately return to most regular activity. However you should avoid very strenuous exercise, heavy weight lifting and heat to the treated area for 1-3 weeks.

9) What kind of aftercare is required?

Following sclerotherapy, we advise patients to wear compression garments to help speed up the healing process. We also recommend avoiding sun exposure during the healing process.

10) What is the effectiveness of sclerotherapy?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the success rate of sclerotherapy is between 60 to 80 percent. For the 20 to 40 percent of cases where treatment doesn’t show full results after a single treatment, the procedure can be repeated to improve your results.

Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.