The first thing everyone should be aware of is that you don’t have to live with those unsightly spider veins and varicose veins on your legs for the rest of your life. There is a treatment called sclerotherapy. Discover the 8 things you should know about sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy Works And Is Decades Old
Sclerotherapy is a well-proven medical procedure used since the 1930s to eliminate spider veins and varicose veins. The Vein Center at Brinton Lake injects a solution directly into the vein, and you may feel a minute of discomfort or cramping if a larger vein is injected.
The solution causes the walls of the vein to seal shut and blood is redirected to other veins. Over time, the body absorbs the damaged vein making it less noticeable or completely invisible.
Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. 50-80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each procedure. Less than 10% of patients don’t respond to the therapy, but other treatments can be considered. Spider veins usually respond to treatment within 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins in 3 to 4 months.
Not Everyone Is A Candidate
Anyone wishing to have sclerotherapy must be evaluated by the Vein Center at Brinton Lake for eligibility. Those not able to have the procedure are pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, or those who are bedridden. Women can have the procedure three months after delivery.
If you have had a previous blood clot, you will be evaluated individually to determine your candidacy.
Schedule a consultation at our office in Glen Mills, PA to see if this procedure may be right for you.
There May Be Some Side Effects
After the procedure you may have some of the following side effects:
- Larger injected veins may become lumpy and hard for a few months before getting better
- Brown lines or spots may show up at the injection site. They should disappear within 3 to 6 months.
- You may see red areas around the injection site, but they will disappear within days.
- You may have a mild allergic reaction to the injected solution like swelling and itching, but it is rarely serious.
- Bruising can occur at the injection site lasting days or weeks before it fades.
Neovascularization can also occur as a side effect. Tiny blood vessels may appear at the injection sites after a few days or weeks, but will fade and need no other treatment.
Rare But More Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects can include a sudden swollen leg, small ulcers at the injection site, red streaks in the groin area, and inflammation within five inches of the groin.
Patients should consult with the Vein Center at Brinton Lake if they have any of these rare but serious side effects.
Post Sclerotherapy Restrictions
There are only a few restrictions after this procedure, and in fact, you can drive yourself home afterwards and are encouraged to walk.
For the first 48 hours avoid hot tubs, whirlpools and saunas, hot baths, and direct sunlight.
Only Tylenol is acceptable as a pain reliever.
Insurance Coverage
If the procedure is purely for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover it. If the Vein Center at Brinton Lake feels it is medically required, it may be covered. Contact our office if you have questions regarding coverage from your insurance provider.
Request a Sclerotherapy Appointment
Contact the Vein Center at Brinton Lake at (610) 579-3516, or request a visit online, if you would like more information about sclerotherapy.
