What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the most common and effective way to treat spider veins. It’s a simple procedure executed by your doctor or cosmetic surgeon. The spider veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which forces the veins to collapse and fade from view. Sclerotherapy often also cures other symptoms related to spider veins, such as persistent aching, burning sensations, cramping and swelling.
The procedure itself lasts only about 15 to 45 minutes. You will be asked to lie down with your bare legs exposed, and a technician will prepare the treated areas with a sterile solution. Your doctor will then inject the sclerosing agent into your spider veins, executing between five and 40 injections. Patients are fully conscious during the process, and report very little pain or discomfort.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Sclerotherapy?
Women of all ages are eligible for sclerotherapy, yet the majority of patients are between the ages of 30 and 60. Those pregnant or breastfeeding are advised against doing the procedure until after they have stopped breastfeeding, as the solution may affect the milk. Men are also eligible for sclerotherapy, but rarely opt to take on the procedure, as the condition is far rarer for this gender.
What Kind Of Results Can Be Expected?
Sclerotherapy is not meant to completely eradicate the appearance of spider veins, but it can greatly diminish the unsightly clusters. One session is rarely enough to produce serious results. It often takes two or three sessions before you notice a distinguishable difference. Sclerotherapy is excellent at reducing currently visible spider veins, but it cannot prevent others from forming.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any medical procedure, precautions are necessary. Serious complications are extremely rare if performed by a qualified practitioner. Risks, however, are present, and include blood clots in the veins, allergic reactions, inflammation of the treated area and skin injury that can leave a small, but sometimes permanent scar. By choosing a doctor with extensive experience and training in sclerotherapy, you will increase your chances at having a pain-free, successful experience.
Do you want more information on cosmetic surgery procedures such as face lift or placement of breast implants? Consult a physician from your local area.
