How Does Sclerotherapy Treat Varicose and Spider Veins?

How Does Sclerotherapy Treat Varicose and Spider Veins?

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Texas Vein & Wellness Institute

Bulging veins on the hands, legs and feet can make you look older than you are. These veins can also be painful. Sclerotherapy is one of the most common ways to successfully treat varicose and spider veins. Read on to learn more about sclerotherapy and how it works to treat unsightly veins.

• Sclerotherapy can treat veins on the legs, hands and feet.
• Treatment usually takes about 30 minutes.
• Sclerotherapy not only improves the appearance of veins, but it also helps with symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning and night cramps caused by these diseased veins.
• Some patients may need more than one session to resolve the issue.
• Patients say they experience little to no pain and do not require anesthesia.
• Sclerotherapy treats both varicose and spider veins.
• Procedure involves injecting a sclerosant solution through a very fine needle into the veins, which irritates the veins and causes them to collapse. The veins are then absorbed into the body naturally, and the blood from those veins is redirected into nearby healthier veins.
• The number of injections varies depending on the number and length of damaged veins.
• Some patients may experience side effects such as mild bruising, swelling and stinging. These side effects usually resolve within a few days or weeks.
• Cotton balls and compression tape are placed at the injection site after the procedure. Patients are able to get up and walk around right after the procedure, as walking and moving your legs is important to prevent blood clot formation.
• Most patients return to work and their regular activities on the same day as treatment. They may need to wear compression garments over the treatment area for several days.
• You will see immediate results, but it may take up to six weeks to see full results. Larger veins may take longer to resolve and require multiple treatments.