What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins where a salt-based solution is injected directly into the patient's vein. The solution causes the lining of the vein to become irritated and swell. As it swells, a blood clot forms inside the blood vessel, which causes the veins to stick together …show more content…
and collapse. The blood must then be rerouted through healthy veins. Over time, the collapsed vein turns into scar tissue and is absorbed by the body.
What Will Happen During Treatment?
Using ultrasound or a special light, varicose veins are first located in the leg. Alcohol is then used to clean the injection site. A small needle is inserted into the vein and the solution is injected inside. There is no need for anesthesia for the procedure and patients remain awake the entire time. A small amount of cramping or stinging may occur as the solution is injected into the vein. After the needle is removed, the doctor will massage the area to properly disperse the solution.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The treatment itself takes approximately one hour. Patients will notice their veins fading away within the first couple of weeks. After one month, the veins will be completely eliminated from the treated area. Sometimes more than one treatment is necessary in veins that are large.
How Successful is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has a high success rate with varicose veins being eliminated in 80 percent of patients who undergo the procedure. Though the vein is completely eliminated after treatment, new veins can eventually grow. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not crossing the legs while sitting can help prevent veins from re-growing.
What are the Procedure's
Risks?
As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks involved. According to the professionals at Ivein Treatment Center in Provo, Utah, these risks include mild swelling, bruising at the injection site, red areas that may be raised, small skin sores, tiny red blood vessels or darkened skin. Side affects usually go away within several days to a few weeks after the procedure.
Sclerotherapy is a simple treatment that has big results on patient's who suffer from varicose veins. Contacting a medical doctor or dermatologist can help patient's determine if they are an ideal candidate for the treatment.