Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that can reduce the appearance of veins, but what vein conditions does it treat?
Here’s a closer look at sclerotherapy, its indications, and how to contact North Shore Vein Center on Long Island to request a consultation.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an injection therapy that can minimize the appearance of veins that are unwanted, unsightly, and/or symptomatic. This vein treatment is fast, minimally invasive, and relatively painless, and it produces long-lasting or permanent results in some cases.
Sclerotherapy involves the use of a medical solution called a sclerosant. The sclerosant is injected directly into the unwanted veins, which forces them to seal shut. Blood is rerouted to nearby healthy veins, and the treated veins are gradually absorbed by the body and fade from view.
Results from this vein treatment are usually noticeable within a few weeks. Many patients need only one treatment session. Sclerotherapy produces no downtime, though possible side effects include swelling, itching, bruising, and mild discomfort.
What Can Be Treated With Sclerotherapy?
Nearly every vein condition can be treated with sclerotherapy. These conditions include:
- Varicose veins. Varicose veins are large, bulging, twisted veins that may cause symptoms including pain, itching, and burning in the legs.
- Spider veins. Spider veins are tiny veins that branch out in several directions to resemble spider legs. These veins do not usually cause symptoms.
- Hand veins. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for hand veins, which are visible veins on the hands.
- Facial veins. Sclerotherapy is one of several treatment options for facial veins, especially tiny blue veins located just under the eyes.
A vein specialist can examine the veins and determine whether sclerotherapy is the right vein treatment.
What to Expect From Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy sessions usually last around 30 minutes, which makes it highly appealing to those who want a fast, convenient treatment.
Treatment
First, a vein specialist identifies and marks the veins to be treated. Next, the provider injects sclerosant solution directly into the veins. Sometimes, the specialist will use ultrasound to guide the needle to veins that are difficult to see, or located more deeply under the skin.
The needle used in sclerotherapy is incredibly tiny and produces little to no pain—therefore, local anesthesia is not typically used for this procedure.
Recovery
Sclerotherapy produces no major downtime, though strenuous activities are usually discouraged for a few days. The vein specialist may recommend wearing compression stockings during this time to promote faster healing and recovery, especially in cases where varicose veins were treated in the legs. Results may be noticeable immediately, though final results may not be seen for several months.
Vein conditions may be unpleasant, but sclerotherapy is favorable for those who want an affordable and minimally invasive solution. A vein specialist can examine vein issues and determine whether sclerotherapy is the right choice.
North Shore Vein Center offers a variety of Long Island leg vein treatment options, including sclerotherapy. Contact North Shore Vein Center today at (516) 869-8346 to request an initial vein consultation and learn more about your treatment options.