Nobody loves spider veins because they dent your esthetics, especially when they affect your body’s visible parts like lower legs. Sometimes, some spider veins can be painful, necessitating treatment. Fortunately, modern science has availed different treatment options for this condition. For instance, patients can optimize visual sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins.
But what is sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins? Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure doctors use to treat varicose veins and spider veins. Doctors inject solutions (salt solutions) directly into the affected veins. The solutions irritate blood vessels’ lining, collapsing and sticking them together. The solutions also cause blood clotting, which later turns the affected vessels into scarred tissues that fade from sight.
Doctors have used this method to treat spider veins since the 30s. This method is ideal for minor cosmetic vein conditions. This post sheds more light on this medical procedure. Read on to learn all you need to know about this procedure.
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How the Process Goes On?
Visual sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins happens in a surgeon’s or dermatologist’s office. The method is effective for obliterating spider veins. During the procedure, specialists inject chemicals into patients’ smaller veins. The injection damages the inner vessel lining to produce blood clots that are later reabsorbed and erased. Specialists choose their sclerosing agents and their physical forms depending on the size of the blood vessels that require treatment. Additionally, the number of veins doctors inject per session depends on the vein’s location and size, and the patient’s overall medication condition.
Mainly, salt solutions are injected through fine needles directly into veins. Patients may experience mild discomfort and cramps for a few minutes. The number of veins injected in one session depends on the size and location of the veins and the patient’s general medical condition. The treatment lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Qualified Candidates
Regarding visual sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins candidature, patients with different conditions qualify. Patients with venous inadequacies that aren’t well managed with compression stockings or socks qualify. Additionally, obese patients are qualified candidates.
Doctors also identify the defective veins and one’s venous patterns before qualifying them for this treatment. Lastly, healthy persons with ugly superficial veins also qualify for this medical procedure.
Preparing for Sclerotherapy
Visual sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins requires preparation. All potential candidates have to avoid some medications. It’s critical to consult your physician about any medicine you are taking, such as herbals, dietary supplements, and other non-prescription drugs. You also have to consult your doctor if you are taking any antibiotics.
Some experts recommend that patients stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin for at least two to three days before undergoing the procedure. Also, don’t apply any lotion to your legs before undergoing the procedure.
How to Handle Yourself AfterSclerotherapy
How should you conduct yourself after this spider veins treatment? This treatment isn’t a major medical condition. You can walk home without any issues if you undergo it successfully. You can also drive yourself home and resume your usual daily chores.
Your doctor will instruct you to wear stockings to compress the treated veins. If you had some from previous procedures, it’s recommended to carry them to the clinic to ensure they will supply sufficient compression. The reason is that the surgeon is better placed to advise you on where to buy the best compression stockings.
You will also need to avoid some things in the first two days after undergoing this treatment. For example, you must keep off hot compresses, hot baths, saunas, direct exposure to sunlight, and whirlpools.
Besides, you need to exercise, maintain healthy body weight, and avoid sitting or standing for a long time. This way, you will be better placed to recover and realize satisfactory results faster.
Possible Side Effects
Yes, you will experience a few side effects after this treatment. You can experience itching that lasts for one or two days. Also, you will notice some elevated redness near the injected tissues. Bruising may also occur near the injected areas, but it only lasts for a few days or weeks. Other side effects are:
- Larger injected blood vessels get lumpy and harden, requiring some months to dissolve and disappear;
- You may also see brown stripes or spots at the vein site. Mostly, they fade within three to six months, although they may also last longer.
All these side effects are mild and shouldn’t worry you at all.
There you go with all the facts you needed to know about this spider veins treatment. This valuable information should inspire you to make informed treatment decisions. Go ahead and use it to enjoy healthy nerves.
