By Mathew 
Your vascular specialist can recommend sclerotherapy to help shrink minor spider veins and varicose veins. The outpatient procedure involves injecting a saline-based sclerosis solution or sclerosant into the affected veins. Sclerosant microinjections irritate the veins, causing them to undergo fibrosis, shrink, and disappear. Here are a few frequently asked questions about this spider vein treatment:
How Successful Is the Treatment?
Undergoing sclerotherapy involves injecting all the bulging veins with the sclerosant. Results are usually seen within a few weeks, depending on the severity of the spider veins. You can undergo multiple injections separated weeks apart to allow a comprehensive assessment of your progress. The minimally invasive procedure doesn’t involve any cuts or surgeries and doesn’t require anesthesia or hospital stays. Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings for the first few weeks and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.
Am I a Candidate for Treatment?
If you have spider veins on your legs or other prominent hand and arm veins, you can address them with sclerosis injections. The treatment causes the veins to shrink and disappear as your body reroutes circulation to healthier veins. You can use the treatment for spider veins, blue veins, and small veins in various parts of your body. Sclerosis solution injections can also address facial veins, although doctors may offer laser therapy for such cases. The treatment works well if you have small to medium-sized varicose veins and is not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing. Speak to your doctor if you have other conditions, such as a history of blood clots.
Is the Treatment Safe?
When performed by an experienced specialist, the treatment is safe and effective. Your doctor can address any temporary side effects, such as tenderness or itching. Before treatment, your doctor reviews your medical and family history to identify potential concerns. Throughout treatment, the doctor can address underlying issues, questions, and side effects to optimize your results. The doctor also monitors recovery and provides insights into lifestyle changes to prevent recurring spider veins.
How Do I Prepare for Treatment?
Vascular specialists provide treatment preparation instructions during the initial appointment and before each session. These usually include avoiding tanning, taking NSAID medications, and taking blood thinners. Medical professionals give instructions concerning clothing, diet, and other personalized preparations during routine appointments. Treatment takes several minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of your condition and how many veins are being treated.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
The size and number of veins that your doctor will treat determine how many sessions you need. Larger spider veins can take longer to disappear. No harm is caused by shrinking threaded veins, which are the ones that bulge out to cause spider veins. Larger varicose veins that don’t respond to the treatment can be addressed using endovenous ablation and other methods.
Speak to a Sclerotherapy Specialist Today
Sclerosant injections help to address minor and mild cases of spider veins and some varicose veins. Your doctor can assess your condition to determine if you need other advanced treatments. Contact a vascular specialist today to learn more about sclerotherapy and its benefits.
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