Is Sclerotherapy a Varicose Veins or Spider Veins Treatment?
Spider veins and varicose veins often stem from the same issue- a disease called Chronic Venous Insufficiency. But they present differently and there are multiple ways to treat them. Sclerotherapy is a popular choice because it works for spider veins as well as small varicose veins. For spider veins, doctors typically inject a liquid sclerosant into the vein. Since varicose veins are larger, vein doctors will often use a foam sclerosant.
The choice between liquid and foam therapy depends on the size of the vein, since foam fills a larger vein with less medicine. Sclerotherapy is injected through the skin directly into the vein, where the sclerosant irritates vein walls, causing the blood vessel to swell and close. Over time, the vein is reabsorbed by the body and fades from sight. Click HERE to find sclerotherapy treatment near you or to learn more about the procedure.
Is Sclerotherapy a Cosmetic Varicose Vein Removal Method?
Some people consider varicose or spider vein removal to be a cosmetic procedure. While it’s true that some vein damage does not require treatment, millions of people’s vein damage is a sign of the underdiagnosed disease we mentioned, called Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Left untreated, it leads to cramping, heaviness, restlessness, fatigue, itching, and swelling legs. Complications of CVI can be life-threatening, so don’t make assumptions about the severity of your vein issues. Consult a vein doctor today.
Advanced cases of CVI involve venous ulcerations, venous dermatitis, blood clots, and bleeding that’s hard to control. In addition, varicose veins and spider veins will keep developing until you treat the disease. So, is sclerotherapy good for cosmetic varicose vein removal? Yes, it erases those veins you don’t like to see. But it’s also effective against more significant issues like vein disease.
Is Varicose and Spider Vein Removal by Sclerotherapy Safe?
Sclerotherapy treatments are FDA-approved and have been safely conducted since the 1930s. Sclerotherapy is one of the safest ways to treat veins, and also one of the simplest. In fact, it’s not actually vein “removal” since it treats the vein inside your body, eliminating risks from surgical extraction. Since it doesn’t use heat or adhesives, there is no need for local or general anesthesia and no substances left behind in the body. Patients remain awake and comfortable during the procedure, and can walk around as soon as it’s done. Risks associated with sclerotherapy are few and mild. Sclerotherapy cost is among the lowest of all vein procedures. For many patients, it’s completely covered by insurance.
Sclerotherapy treatment is not to be confused with collapsed vein treatment. A collapsed vein occurs from repeat drug injections or injury and it can be a medical emergency. A venous sclerosis treatment, in contrast, collapses a faulty vein intentionally to relieve excess pressure and redirect blood into healthy veins.
Are There Any Spider or Varicose Vein Treatment Risks?
Patients might experience mild stinging in the treated area for a minute or two. And some will see raised red areas, bruising, or brown lines or spots near the injection. These typically resolve over the next few days. Blood clots, allergic reactions, and air bubbles are rare but possible complications. Vein doctors use tactics like compression pads, allergy testing, and compression stockings to minimize risk. Patients who are allergic usually only have mild and temporary itching.
The biggest risk with sclerotherapy is choosing an unqualified vein specialist. Not all vein centers in New Jersey are run by vein doctors. In the wrong hands, a safe treatment like sclerotherapy can become problematic if the doctor injects the wrong area, mixes foam incorrectly, or uses improper dosing. Choose our award-winning NJ vein doctors for safe and successful vein treatment.
Can Varicose Veins Return After Treatment with Sclerotherapy?
Some patients require more than one session of sclerotherapy, if they have multiple veins to treat or chronic vein disease. However, a properly treated varicose vein should not return. If the vein is treated correctly, it is sealed shut and blood can no longer enter it. It becomes scar tissue that’s reabsorbed by the body, rendering it inviable as a blood vessel. But, it’s important to choose your vein doctor wisely because it’s possible for a vein specialist to not treat the vein with enough sclerosant to seal it. Our doctors use ultrasound guidance to make sure treatment is a success and follow up with each patient afterward.
Developing a new varicose vein is not the same thing as a varicose vein returning. This scenario is possible, particularly in patients with venous insufficiency. Our vein doctors treat the deep vein where valve failure occurs, which is what causes those surface spider or varicose veins to appear. By treating the cause of vein damage, we prevent more damage from occurring. Always choose a board certified vein doctor who looks for the source of vein damage, rather than just treating it cosmetically, like dermatologists do.
What Can Get Rid of Varicose Veins Besides Sclerotherapy?
Most patients are eligible for sclerotherapy treatments. However, some patients aren’t good candidates, because of blood clots, allergies, or prior failed treatments. Additionally, some patients’ varicose veins are so large that a different treatment is recommended, like radiofrequency ablation, vein adhesives, or a combination of sclerosants and mechanical ablation. When patients ask us, “What is sclerotherapy and is it right for me?” We explain that it’s one way to close a malfunctioning vein, and that we use different methods, depending on the individual.
Our New Jersey vein specialists take an in-depth look at your blood vessels, identifying any clots, coagulation, valve failure, and problematic connecting veins, before recommending treatment. We’re experts at customizing care to deliver exceptional varicose and spider vein treatment. We’re trained in the best techniques, including VNUS Closure, Varithena, VenaSeal, ClosureFast, ClariVein, and Asclera treatment for spider veins and varicose veins.
Varicose Vein Treatment Before and After: Does It Work?
Most patients initially want to know whether sclerotherapy is safe, painful, or expensive. But they’re also eager to know whether sclerotherapy works, and if the results are permanent. At our NJ vein center, we provide spider and varicose vein treatment before and after galleries to show you what to expect. We’re never satisfied until you’re 100% thrilled with your results. Because of our extensive training, most patients only need one appointment to achieve the results they seek. Our procedures take less than 30 minutes, so come see how much you love your legs after a few minutes in our vein center!