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CVD Vein Clinic is proud to provide patients throughout Fall River, MA, and the surrounding areas with sclerotherapy. This vein procedure effectively treats varicose veins and spider veins. We boast 30 years of experience. We take pride in providing our patients with personalized care and treatment.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that effectively treats varicose veins and spider veins. This treatment has been used since the 1930s and is a well-proven procedure that is often considered the treatment of choice for varicose veins. This procedure involves the injection of a solution directly into the affected vein or veins. This solution causes the lining of the blood vessel to swell and stick together. The treated veins will usually fade within a few weeks. The solution causes the vein or veins to scar while forcing the blood to reroute to healthier veins. Eventually, the scar tissue will fade.
The Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy offers patients with varicose veins or spider veins immediate relief and various benefits. Patients can often see immediate results because each sclerotherapy session can eliminate anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of the injected veins. The benefits of sclerotherapy include:
- Increased wardrobe options
- Enhanced leg appearance
- Immediate pain relief
- Rapidly visible results
- Short treatment time
- Short recovery time
- Minimal side effects
- High success rate
Who is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Before any procedure, every patient undergoes an initial consultation with a vascular specialist who determines whether or not they are a good candidate for sclerotherapy. Pregnant, breastfeeding or bedridden patients are not eligible for sclerotherapy. Additionally, patients must wait for a minimum of three months after delivery before they can be considered a candidate for this procedure. Patients who take birth control pills can undergo sclerotherapy, but if you’ve suffered from a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will depend on what caused it and how serious it was. It’s also important to note that veins that may be utilized for future surgical bypass procedures will typically not be considered for sclerotherapy unless deemed unusable.
What to Expect During Sclerotherapy
During this procedure, patients will lie back with their legs slightly elevated. The treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned prior to your vascular specialist injecting a solution into your vein using a fine needle. Typically, a single sclerotherapy treatment session will involve 40 to 45 injections. This is necessary to collapse the varicose veins or spider veins. Injections are relatively painless, especially when incorporated with a cryotherapy element that cools the skin and numbs it at the injection site for the duration of treatment. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
What to Expect After Sclerotherapy
After the procedure, patients will have their legs wrapped in an elastic bandage. This will remain wrapped around the leg for one to two hours to ensure all veins are closed. Patients can drive themselves home and resume daily activities immediately after treatment. If large veins were treated, your vascular specialist might recommend wearing compression stockings for one to three days after treatment. Walking is highly encouraged after sclerotherapy. Patients should avoid hot baths, hot compresses, whirlpools, saunas, and direct exposure to sunlight for up to 48 hours after treatment. The injection sites can be washed with mild soap and tepid water. Tylenol may be used if needed.
Possible Risks & Common Side Effects of Sclerotherapy
Like with any surgical procedure, this Vein Procedure has possible risks and common side effects. Possible risks include infection requiring an antibiotic – though the chance of this is one in 1,000 – and the formation of blood clots, severe inflammation, adverse allergic reactions, and skin injury that could leave a small scar. Common side effects of sclerotherapy may include itching, which can last for one or two days after the procedure, as well as raised, red areas at the injection site, and some bruising.
Contact Us Today for Sclerotherapy
When you schedule an appointment at CVD Vein Clinic in Fall River, MA, you will receive personalized care and attention from our board-certified general and vascular surgeons. With over 30 years of collective experience, you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our vascular specialists or learn more about sclerotherapy.