Sclerotherapy, or elimination of varicose veins, is performed by injecting a salt solution into veins suffering from vascular malformations. Sclerosing solutions irritate vessel linings, causing blood vessels to shrink and ultimately fade from view as the body naturally consumes these tiny veins. Used by doctors for over 80 years, sclerotherapy is a simple, non-invasive treatment for unsightly vein that is completed within 15 minutes. The procedure presents little to no downtime as opposed to actual varicose vein surgery.
This type of varicose vein treatment is preferred over other treatment methods because the salt solution injected into problem veins actually prevents recurrence of varicose veins by closing “feeder veins” that generate spider veins. Larger veins are also effectively treated with sclerotherapy by employing “microfoam sclerosants” and ultrasound assistance instead of a standard sclerosing solution. Also non-invasive, this microfoam treatment is frequently followed by additional ultrasound scans to ensure treated veins have been properly sealed and that any untreated veins are identified and subsequently treated.
Following sclerotherapy treatment, patients are advised to wear bandages or support stockings and engage in moderate exercise, such as walking, for at least two weeks. Further, doctors recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs, hot baths, sitting in saunas or whirlpools or exposure to sunlight for at least 48 hours after treatment. To keep infection from affecting the injection sites, washing with mild soap and cool water is suggested as well.
Minor side affects of sclerotherapy include itching, slightly raised areas at and around the injection sites and possibly some bruising. Several sclerotherapy sessions may be required to attain optimal results, with each session generally consisting of five to 40 injections. The number of treatments needed to eliminate varicose veins will depend on the severity of the case. Sclerotherapy has proven to successfully remove unattractive varicose veins over 95 percent of the time.
Not only are varicose veins unsightly, they also cause leg pain and swelling. By taking advantage of sclerotherapy, patients can easily and painlessly alleviate chronic leg achiness as well as the unpleasant appearance of varicose veins.