What Is Sclerotherapy?

One sure sign that you’re getting older is the appearance of tiny clusters of squiggly clusters of red, purple, and blue lines on your thighs, calves, and ankles. Spider veins. Taking their name from their web-like appearance, spider veins aren’t usually painful but no one likes to see them show up on their legs. Our providers use sclerotherapy to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins.

What Type of Veins Can Be Treated with Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is used for spider veins and very small varicose veins on the legs. Most varicose veins are too large for sclerotherapy, however, one of our providers would need to inject too much sclerosant. For varicose veins, laser or radiofrequency ablation are the necessary treatments.

Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure. It takes just a few minutes for Our providers to treat a series of spider vein clusters. If you have unsightly spider veins, there aren’t really any restrictions on these procedures. Reactions to the sclerosant are virtually nonexistent.

Sclerotherapy does not work on larger varicose veins, the veins that push the skin upward. Too much sclerosant would be required. These veins must be treated with laser or radiofrequency ablation or with manual vein stripping.

Pregnant women are not eligible; come in a few weeks after delivery. Also, be sure to tell the provider if you have ever had a blood clot previously in your life. That could preclude you from having sclerotherapy, but he can decide based on your circumstances.

How Is Sclerotherapy Performed?

One of our providers use a very tiny needle for sclerotherapy. Spider veins are near the surface of the skin, so the injections to address them do not need to be at much depth. Because of this, patients usually say the feeling of the procedure is akin to that of a pinprick.

At the start of your session, A provider and you will discuss the spider veins and smaller varicose veins you’d like to remove. He then injects the sclerosant solution directly into the vein. At Southwest Vein & Leg Center, we use Asclera, an FDA-approved sclerosant solution that irritates the walls of the vein, causing them to collapse. This closes off the vein and any minor amount of blood running through it is instantly redirected to a healthier nearby vein. The vein instantly diminishes in appearance. Over the next few weeks, the body scavenges and removes the unused vein.

What Should I Expect During the Sclerotherapy Treatment?

These treatments take only a few minutes, depending on how many spider veins you want to target. You’ll lie on our exam table and the provider begins to inject the Asclera. Each vein cluster may take a couple of injections, but they close off instantly once the sclerosant has been injected into or next to the unwanted veins. Most of these veins instantly fade from view. Some still show traces, but they will fade away over the next weeks as the body scavenges and removes the unused veins.

Is Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins Permanent?

Once the provider injects these veins they close off. They will not reopen, and the body will dispose of them over the next few weeks. They are gone for good. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t develop new spider veins.

How Can I Prepare for Sclerotherapy? Preparation for sclerotherapy doesn’t involve much, but there are a few things you should do.

Recovery After Sclerotherapy

Walking and moderate exercise are fine immediately after your procedure. We ask that you stay out of direct sunlight for two weeks after your injection to avoid permanent discoloration.

Is Sclerotherapy Painful?

Patients worry that these injections will be painful, but they are not. Allison Holt A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P injects the sclerosant with a very tiny needle and only to a shallow depth. Patients equate the feeling of these injections to that of a pinprick.

Does Sclerotherapy Work Immediately? When Should I Expect to See My Final Results?

For most spider veins, their appearance diminishes upon injection, but they do not fully disappear. The vein is now closed off, and it will begin to turn into scar tissue and the body will dispose of it. The process of the body fully removing the unused closed-off vein can take around a few weeks to a few months depending on the amount of veins injected. Larger spider veins may take longer, and some may require a second sclerotherapy session.

After three months, your final results should be fully visible and you’ll love the changes in your legs.

Is Sclerotherapy Covered By Insurance?

Because spider veins are considered a cosmetic nuisance rather than a health issue, these sclerotherapy treatments are usually not covered by health insurance. We provide them on a cash pay basis and we offer several options for payment.

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Call 817.235.0769 to schedule your screening and see how Southwest Vein and Leg Center’s Venous Reflux treatments can improve your health and quality of life.

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