Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins that has been proven over decades to be safe and reliable. It is considered by many doctors to be among the best treatments for small or medium varicose veins. It will completely remove the swollen and twisting vein so your legs look smooth again.
The sclerotherapy procedure involves injecting an Asclera® solution directly into the affected vein. This solution, referred to as a sclerosant, irritates the vein wall as well as the small valves that help push the blood against gravity, causing them to collapse. This forces the blood to flow through a healthy vein. The destroyed vein is absorbed by the surrounding tissue and eventually disappears. While the length of time it takes to see results varies from person to person, many patients see that their veins begin to disappear within a few weeks.
Many people have sclerotherapy treatments for cosmetic purposes to remove the unwanted appearance of varicose veins. However, it is also effective for alleviating symptoms such as swelling, aching, burning, and night cramping. Sclerotherapy will permanently remove the affected vein, but it may require lifestyle changes to prevent new varicose veins from developing.
Some lifestyle habits that may contribute to varicose veins include the following:
• Obesity – If you are overweight, you may consider reducing your weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the legs, which makes it harder for the heart to pump the blood against gravity, up the legs, and back to the heart.
• Long hours of sitting or standing – If your job requires you to sit or stand for long hours, you may need to take a break at intervals throughout the day to change your position. If you sit all day, we recommend that you get up and walk around for at least 10 minutes every hour, and if you stand all day, we recommend that you sit with your feet elevated several times during the day.
• Age and gender – Women and older individuals are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.
• Pregnancy – Pregnancy may also make it difficult for blood to flow up the legs and back to the heart. If you develop varicose veins during pregnancy, you may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy after giving birth and breastfeeding.
• Heredity – If your parents or other family member have varicose veins, you may develop them as well.
After consulting with our specialist, you may be asked to avoid certain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin for at least 48 hours before your sclerotherapy treatment. Since it is an outpatient treatment, you will be able to return home after the procedure is finished. You may be asked to wear compression stockings to put pressure on the treated vein and make sure the blood flows through the healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy is a time-tested treatment that safely and effectively removes varicose veins. The specialists at Spa Noor offer this treatment among our many services. To find out if this procedure is right for you, contact our office in Fall River to schedule your consultation.