Treatment for Varicose Veins – Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins are a common problem affecting as many as one-third of adults in the United States. While the symptoms of varicose veins can sometimes be managed temporarily with compression stockings and physical activity, the only way to get lasting relief is by getting treatment with a qualified vein specialist.
In this article, we'll go over one form of effective vein treatment, sclerotherapy, and discuss how it may be beneficial for you.
What are varicose veins and what causes them?
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that typically appear raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but are most commonly found in the legs. They are not just a cosmetic concern, as they frequently cause a range of symptoms like pain, aches, heaviness, itching, and tiredness in the legs.
There are many different factors that can increase a person's risk for developing varicose veins. These include age, family history, pregnancy, obesity, standing or sitting for long periods of time, being inactive, and smoking cigarettes.
Fortunately, varicose veins can be treated effectively with several different methods, one of which is sclerotherapy. While some patients can be treated with sclerotherapy alone, in others, it is necessary to combine sclerotherapy with a different additional treatment. For example, sclerotherapy is often used after a thermal ablation (EVLT) to treat any remaining varicose veins.
What is sclerotherapy and how does it work?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting an irritating sclerosant solution directly into the varicose vein. For larger medical veins, ultrasound guidance is used during the procedure. The sclerosant takes effect by damaging the inner lining of the diseased vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in an outpatient setting with very minimal discomfort.
During sclerotherapy, your doctor will use a very thin catheter to inject the sclerosant into the varicose veins being treated. The whole procedure usually takes about 30 minutes for each affected area. Once injected, the veins begin to close up, get smaller, and eventually fade away completely. In some cases, this process can take up to 6 months or more depending on the severity of varicose veins. However, the pain, swelling, and other symptoms of varicose veins will often be relieved within a few weeks of treatment.
In addition to treating larger varicose veins, sclerotherapy can also be used to treat spider veins. These are the small, yet highly visible red or blue veins on the surface of the skin that commonly occur in women, especially during times of hormone fluctuation.
Sclerotherapy for spider veins is similar to sclerotherapy for larger varicose veins, with some differences. Spider vein treatment involves multiple injections using even smaller needles, to better access the tiny spider veins.
Commonly, patients getting initial treatment for spider veins will require at least 2 or 3 treatments over several months to achieve optimal results. The healing process can also take up to several weeks or months following treatment.
What are the benefits of sclerotherapy?
One of the benefits of sclerotherapy is a cosmetic improvement. As varicose veins are often considered unsightly and can be a source of embarrassment or discomfort, treating them with sclerotherapy can significantly improve one's self esteem and quality of life.
Another benefit is that the procedure itself does not take long and involves no sedation or hospitalization, making it very convenient for patients who need treatment quickly and easily. Many patients also find it convenient that most normal activity can be resumed the same day, with the exception of vigorous exercise or heavy weight lifting.
Finally, sclerotherapy may help prevent complications of vein disease over time by eliminating existing varicose veins before they become worse. This also improves patients’ quality of life and ability to stay active.
Sclerotherapy has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins when administered by an experienced healthcare provider. Patients should discuss all potential risks with their doctor prior to beginning sclerotherapy so they can make an informed decision about their treatment options.
What should you expect after treatment?
After varicose vein treatment with sclerotherapy, you may experience some side effects. These can include mild bruising, redness, itching or stinging around the area that was treated and a feeling of tightness in the skin. You can also expect to have some discoloration of the varicose veins, which should fade over time.
It is important to avoid strenuous activities such as running or lifting heavy objects for a certain period following treatment. You will also need to wear compression stockings. Depending on the type of veins treated, those restrictions are recommended for about 1 to 3 weeks after treatment. The compression stockings help reduce any discomfort or tenderness, and also ensure optimal effectiveness of your treatment.
Patients typically experience significant improvement within a few weeks to a few months after their sclerotherapy treatment. Some varicose veins may require additional treatments or a combination of treatments depending on their size and severity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for reducing visible varicose and spider veins, with minimal discomfort and downtime.
If you have any questions related to sclerotherapy or other vein treatments, please contact us.
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 to set up a consultation appointment.