Varicose and spider veins aren’t just unsightly. They sometimes come with pain, itching, and swelling. There are many treatments to choose from, and we want to help you find the best option.
New York Vein Treatment Center is a clinic specializing in sclerotherapy. We want to answer your most common questions about this procedure to help you determine if this treatment option will work for you.
What’s sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution called sclerosant into blood and lymph vessels. This solution irritates the vessels, causing them to swell. The swelling restricts blood and lymphatic flow in the veins, which makes them shrink.
Sclerotherapy is considered a nonsurgical procedure. This means you remain awake and do not need sedation to have the procedure done.
What does sclerotherapy treat?
Sclerotherapy treats several issues.
Varicose and Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is often the first treatment recommended for varicose and spider veins. These veins can become painful and itchy when poorly functioning vein valves cause these veins to bulge.
Sclerotherapy shrinks veins, helping to reroute blood to better-functioning veins.
Abnormal Lymph Vessels
Sclerotherapy helps malformed lymph vessels collapse by producing scarring in the vessels.
Hemorrhoids
When blood vessels around the rectum swell and become irritated, hemorrhoids form. This condition causes pain and makes bowel movements difficult.
Sclerotherapy shrinks grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids.
Hydroceles
Hydroceles occur when fluid collects around the testicles. Sclerotherapy provides a treatment choice when surgery is not an option.
When should I consider sclerotherapy?
With varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy is used for cosmetic and medical treatment.
Sometimes, people find varicose and spider veins to be ugly and embarrassing. They can affect your self-esteem. A doctor can guide you on whether this is the appropriate cosmetic procedure for your issues.
For others, varicose and spider veins come with distressing symptoms:
- Aching
- Burning
- Itching
- Swelling
- Night cramps
- Heavy or tired legs
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to consider looking into a sclerotherapy treatment clinic to help alleviate your suffering.
What happens during sclerotherapy?
Assessment
Before any treatment begins, a doctor examines the blood and lymph veins to determine the best treatment option. Once prescribed, here’s what to expect from a sclerotherapy procedure.
Before the Procedure
Always follow the doctor’s directions for care before the appointment. This may include avoiding certain medications such as blood thinners. You may also need to avoid applying lotion on the proposed procedure site.
Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical, outpatient procedure that lasts 30 to 45 minutes. You may be asked to wear shorts if the procedure involves your legs. Also, prepare to have someone take you home once the procedure is complete.
During the Procedure
A doctor inserts a fine needle into your vein to begin the procedure. An ultrasound to locate the desired area may also be used. Once the doctor finds the appropriate spot, the sclerosant solution is injected into the vein.
You may experience a burning sensation or cramping for a few minutes. This usually occurs during the treatment of more prominent varicose veins.
Another option involves the doctor anesthetizing the area. Once numb, a catheter is placed into the varicose or spider vein. A 90% alcohol solution is injected to block blood or lymph fluid from entering the vein.
What happens after a sclerotherapy procedure?
Expect to have follow-up treatments to help fully collapse the vein. If you’re receiving treatment for several veins, expect to have multiple visits.
Always follow your doctor’s directions for aftercare.
Your recovery may involve compression stockings. This helps you heal and keeps the varicose veins from reforming.
Some people develop bruising or other marks around the injection site.
Spider veins typically disappear within 3 to 6 weeks. Since they are larger, varicose veins usually disappear in 3 to 4 months. If your varicose or spider veins don’t respond to the first treatment, your doctor may recommend additional treatments.
Most doctors will have you come in for a follow-up appointment for a post-procedure examination. This includes a physical exam and may also include bloodwork and imaging.
Does sclerotherapy offer permanent results?
If sclerotherapy made your varicose and spider veins disappear, they shouldn’t return. However, it is possible for other varicose and spider veins to form around the treated area. In that case, ask your doctor if sclerotherapy is appropriate for those areas.
When considering sclerotherapy treatment clinics, check out New York Vein Treatment Center. We have been treating vein disorders since 2007, and our knowledgeable staff can ensure that you get the care and attention you need.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Dr. Lev Mark Khitin, a leading cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, is the founder of the New York Vein Treatment Center. With almost 20 years of experience and over 20,000 successful vein procedures, he is a renowned expert in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Dr. Khitin’s patient-centered approach and advanced surgical skills have consistently delivered excellent results, making him a prominent figure in the field.