Spider and varicose veins can be both embarrassing from a cosmetic standpoint and physically uncomfortable.
The good news is that these visible veins with their pain, stinging, burning or itching can be easily treated today using procedures that do not involve anesthesia, incisions or downtime. One of the most popular treatments for spider and varicose veins is sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy addresses visible veins from the inside out. A solution is injected directly into the vein. This damages the inner lining, sealing the veins closed so they collapse and can be reabsorbed by the body over time. Sclerotherapy is an easily performed procedure that offers excellent results. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and can return to their regular activities as soon as treatment is over.
What does it Treat?
Sclerotherapy is a very old medical technique. It is now primarily used to treat small spider veins close to the skin’s surface. However, innovations, such as thicker foam sclerosing agents, and the use of ultrasound to locate deeper veins, have allowed this procedure to be used for larger varicose veins and even major named vessels today. At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we offer a variety of sclerotherapy techniques that allow us to customize treatment to the unique needs of each of our patients.
How does it Work?
A sclerotherapy session is performed in our office by our expertly trained Nurses, Physician Assistants, or Doctors. Once the patient is in a comfortable position, the sclerosing agent is injected directly into the problematic vein, using a very fine needle. Patients may feel some slight burning as the solution goes into the vein, but the sensation is brief. The duration of the treatment will vary based on the number of veins to be addressed, but most treatment sessions take 30-45 minutes. There is a daily limit to the amount of solution used, so additional sessions may be required.
What are the Results Like?
Initially the veins may look worse. This will improve over time, as the treated vessel collapses and is completely reabsorbed by the body. This may take up to 6 weeks. About 75-80% of treated veins will disappear with one injection. Most patients will require more than one treatment session to achieve full results. Although the successfully veins are permanently destroyed, other new spider and varicose veins can, and probably will, develop over time.
Is Sclerotherapy Right for Me?
While sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for many spider and varicose vein sufferers, it is not the right treatment for everyone. The more pigment one has in the skin, the more likely one is to develop “staining”. This is where pigment of the red blood cells trapped in the vein leaks out and forms a light brown stain on the skin. Staining is unpredictable, so a test dose is not helpful. It usually is temporary but may take up to 12months to disappear. It can be permanent in some. There are ways to treat staining. Sclerotherapy cannot be performed in patients with certain medial conditions. Allergy to sclerosing solutions is rare.
At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we offer different vein treatments to address a wide range of concerns and conditions. We also provide diagnostic services to determine the underlying cause of your visible veins, which help us determine which procedure might suit your specific situation the best.
The bottom line is you do not have to suffer with unsightly, uncomfortable spider or varicose veins. Whether sclerotherapy or other state-of-the-art procedures are a better choice, we can help you say goodbye to those visible veins for good. To learn more, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas today at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245.