If you’ve been contemplating seeking treatment for your spider veins, then you may come across the procedure called sclerotherapy. At the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City, we perform sclerotherapy on our patients regularly. Here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a popular and effective treatment for spider veins. It involves the injection of a solution, typically a salt solution, directly into the visible spider vein. This solution irritates the lining of the vein which causes it to collapse and stick together. Over time, the treated vein is reabsorbed by the body and fades from view altogether. Sclerotherapy doesn’t just improve the look of your skin, but also helps minimize aching, burning sensation, and night cramps that accompany the condition.
Sclerotherapy Doesn’t Require Downtime
Sclerotherapy is a fairly simple procedure. It doesn’t require anesthesia or downtime. The vein specialist will clean the area with alcohol before injecting the solution into the affected vein(s). There can be some mild discomfort as the needle is inserted into the vein. The specialist will treat all of the visible spider veins.
Home Care after Sclerotherapy
After the treatment, avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin & ibuprofen), hot baths, saunas, or whirlpool tubs for at least 48 hours. You will need to wear compression stockings and stay out of direct sunlight for about two weeks. Exposure to sunlight may cause dark spots to develop.
What Kind of Results to Expect
Everyone is different, but generally speaking, if you had small varicose veins or spider veins treated, you can usually expect to see results in three to six weeks. Larger veins may require three to four months. But, be aware that multiple treatments are sometimes necessary to achieve the results you want.
Veins that were treated typically don’t come back, but new veins can appear.
Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up visit about a month after the procedure to determine how well the procedure worked and if you need more sessions. You’ll need to wait about six weeks between sclerotherapy sessions.
Following home care instructions after treatment is very important to obtain the most successful long-term results.
Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort, fatigue, or unsightliness of spider or varicose veins, the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City works to deliver maximum results with minimum recovery time. We’ll get you back on your legs…and back to living. We have offices in Overland Park and Liberty. Visit our website to choose the Vein Clinic location closest to you.