Sclerotherapy, or injection therapy, is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance. Sclerotherapy is done in-office using small needles. The procedure does not take more than 30-60 mins and can even be done during an office lunch break.
A variety of solutions are used to do sclerotherapy. The dosage is usually adjusted based on the size of the veins. There is a little sting associated with each injection. The burning sensation lasts few seconds. Most patients find the discomfort of treatment to be minimal. No surgical incisions are made and anesthesia is not necessary. When a problem vein is closed off via sclerotherapy, the blood will re-route through the normal veins and flow much more efficiently.
Sclerotherapy Treatment Before and After Picture
Sclerotherapy works by irritating the lining of the vein such that the vein seals shut. It takes about 15-20 minutes and can be used to treat spider veins and varicose veins. Patients usually wear a compression stocking for a short period after treatment. Most people need a few treatments (2-4 treatments) to obtain the best results. In patients with milder cases, 1-2 will suffice. The treatments are more when there are more veins or slightly larger veins. For patients with multiple spider veins, up to 15-20 injections can be done at each seating. Sclerotherapy treatments are generally done in monthly intervals.
Although complications may occur with any medical treatment, sclerotherapy has a good safety record. A patient can resume most activities shortly after each session. You should always discuss the risks and treatment alternatives with your physician.
Sclerotherapy Success
After several sclerotherapy treatments, most patients notice a 50-90% improvement in the appearance and symptoms. The full effect and benefit of treatment usually takes several weeks. For this reason, many physicians recommend waiting several weeks in between sclerotherapy treatments.
Another form of sclerotherapy is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy. It is a safe and highly effective procedure that eliminates diseased veins that have traditionally required surgical removal. More on ultrasound guided sclerotherapy...
Sclerotherapy Cost
Sclerotherapy cost vary from regions, doctors and number treatments needed. To receive more information on the cost for your sclerotherapy treatment, please consult a doctor.
