Sclerotherapy is a quick and painless treatment commonly used to treat and eventually eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the vein.
At EVEXIAS Denver, our team has over thirty years of experience treating vein disease. In this time, we’ve seen countless patients and have been asked every question imaginable.
We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions about sclerotherapy, which can help put your mind at ease and clear up any confusion about this helpful procedure.
If you or a loved one is seeking vein treatment, here’s what you need to know about sclerotherapy.
A Quick Overview of Sclerotherapy
We mentioned above that this is a quick procedure, but what is it really? And what does it do? Sclerotherapy is an FDA-approved injection and is widely referred to as the gold standard for the treatment of spider and varicose veins.
During the procedure, our trained vein experts will inject a solution (sclerosing agent), usually a salt solution, directly into your vein with a microneedle.
The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together. Over time the blood will clot, and the vessel will turn into scar tissue that will fade.
Essentially, the solution causes the vein to close off blood flow, collapse, and be absorbed by the body. Depending on your severity, we may combine other treatments with sclerotherapy for the best results.
Now that you know how the procedure works let’s get into the most commonly asked questions.
Common FAQs About Sclerotherapy
If you’ve ever been curious about sclerotherapy, the information below will be very useful. Don’t see your question? Give us a call, and we’d be happy to help!
What are the benefits of sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment that can eliminate unsightly spider veins, leaves no scarring, relieves symptoms, and doesn’t interfere with your normal activities — all in our office!
Does it hurt?
Sclerotherapy may cause minimal discomfort, but is nowhere near as painful as injections used in the past.
How long does a treatment session last?
This quick procedure only takes about 30-45 minutes!
How many sessions will I need?
Every patient will have unique needs and health considerations, which may influence the number of treatments needed, but on average, patients will require 3-5 treatments. Mild cases may only require 1-2 treatments.
When will I see results?
Depending on the severity, you may see a 50-70% disappearance of your spider veins in 3-4 sessions.
Is there any downtime?
Nope! In fact, you can return to work immediately after your procedure. We actually encourage patients to resume normal activity, such as walking, which can help increase blood flow.
However, you will have to wear compression stockings and avoid any high impact exercise for one week following injections. You may experience soreness in the injection site for up to 48 hours after treatment, but this is normal.
Who can get sclerotherapy?
This treatment is an excellent choice for patients with spider or varicose veins and symptoms associated with these conditions.
Who should NOT get sclerotherapy?
If you are prone to blood clots, allergic to sclerosant, have diabetes, deep leg veins, high blood pressure, cardiac diseases, or are pregnant or nursing, you should NOT get sclerotherapy.
Where can sclerotherapy be administered?
We can use this treatment almost anywhere on the body as long as the veins aren’t very large. It is most commonly administered on the legs.
What aftercare plan should I follow?
Our team will go over proper aftercare during your consultation and after your procedure, but generally, we advise the use of compression garments as it can help accelerate healing.
We have compression gear in office and can recommend appropriate brands, sizes, and compression levels. A few weeks after your treatment, we will schedule a follow-up to monitor your progress and ensure no complications are occurring.
Should I do anything to prepare for the procedure?
Truthfully there’s not much you have to do! We’ve been treating veins for so many years, so you’re in good hands. However, avoid applying lotion or oil within 24 hours of your appointment.
Also, wearing shorts and loose clothing would be helpful to accommodate for compression bandages post-procedure. Some medications should be avoided before the procedure, but your doctor will determine that on a case by case basis.
Are there any side effects of sclerotherapy?
Very few. Itching and raised, red-ish areas at the injection site may occur for one to two days after your procedure but should disappear quickly. Additionally, some patients experience bruising around the injection site that may last several days or weeks.
When should I be concerned?
While sclerotherapy is very safe and effective, there are signs of concern. If you undergo treatment and experience sudden onset of swollen legs, small ulcers at the injection site, or inflammation within five inches of the groin, you should absolutely get in touch with your physician. While these are not usual, we want to ensure that you have all of the information.
A Great Place to Start
Did we answer all of your questions? While the answers above certainly don’t cover everything about sclerotherapy, it is a great place to start. If you have more questions or would like clarification, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Sclerotherapy is a proven technique that can help get rid of your varicose and spider veins. Put your health first, and let the experts take care of you.
Get in Touch With Our Specialists Today!
When it comes to vein removal and treatment, you’ll want an experienced specialist on your side. The EVEXIAS Medical Denver team can offer skills and expertise!
While sclerotherapy is minimally-invasive and effective, better outcomes and a lower risk of complications are always possible with an expert.
At EVEXIAS Denver, we have spent years training and treating patients with vein removal. Schedule your consultation or learn more by giving us a call at (719) 625-8045!