Sclerotherapy

Fortunately, with modern medicine, we don’t have to live through embarrassing and unsightly conditions. According to the American Heart Association Journals, approximately 23% of adults suffer from varicose veins. 

The condition is more common amongst older adults affecting 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 and 80. Sclerotherapy is an advanced procedure using minimally invasive techniques to treat varicose and spider veins.

Since 2000, the team at Bodywise Specialists has been helping patients look and feel their best. Founded by Dr. Regina Kaufmann, a Board Certified OB/GYN and Cosmetic Surgeon, BodyWise Specialists provides sclerotherapy as an effective solution to treat varicose and spider veins.

What is Sclerotherapy

During sclerotherapy treatment, the vein is injected with a solution that causes scarring. It forces blood to reroute through healthy veins. The varicose or spider veins collapse and are reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue, eventually fading out of sight.

When sclerotherapy is completed, the affected veins disappear in a matter of a few weeks. Patients can expect the full effect to take place within one month. Depending on the condition of the varicose and spider veins, patients may require several sessions.

Preparing For the Procedure

Any adult experiencing symptoms of varicose or spider veins may be a good candidate for the procedure. The physician will perform a comprehensive medical evaluation considering your history. The affected veins will be examined, and the doctor will check for underlying blood vessel disease that may indicate a more serious condition.

It is important that you discuss any medications you are currently taking or recent symptoms. For example, to reduce the chances of excessive bleeding, you may be asked to stop taking aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, or blood thinners.

What Conditions Can Improve With Sclerotherapy?

The procedure is a cosmetic procedure designed to achieve a more attractive appearance. Varicose and spider veins are found to be embarrassing and unsightly by many patients. However, the procedure also improves related symptoms such as aching, burning, swelling, and night cramps.

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure

Sclerotherapy is performed in the office without anesthesia. You can expect it to last approximately 60 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated. After cleansing the skin, the doctor will inject a solution into the affected vein using a fine needle. Patients are typically asked to lie on their backs with their legs slightly elevated.

It is normal to feel a minor sting or cramp when the needle is inserted, but you should not feel pain. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you’re asked to alert the doctor. After the injection, the doctor will apply compression and massage the area to disperse the solution.

You can expect to walk normally after the procedure and will be asked to continue moving around to prevent blood clots. Patients are instructed to wear compression stockings for two weeks to help the veins heal properly. You may return to your normal activities on the day of the session, but it is best to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks following the procedure. 

Experience Long-Lasting Results

The great advantage of having this type of procedure is that it is permanent. Although new veins may appear, the treated veins usually respond to treatment. Therefore, you can expect full results in 3-6 weeks for smaller veins and 3-4 months for larger ones.

Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve desired results, depending on your condition. You will return to the clinic for a follow-up visit one month after the procedure to assess progress. If the doctor determines you require more sessions, you will need to wait about six weeks between appointments.