Sclerotherapy is a treatment done to improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins on the legs. During this treatment, a doctor injects medicine into blood vessels or lymph vessels that causes them to shrink. The procedure is non-surgical, requiring only an injection.
Sclerotherapy uses an irritating solution called a sclerosant, which is injected directly into a vein or lymph vessel. The solution irritates the vessel, causing it to swell. This swelling cuts off the flow of blood or lymphatic fluid and the vessel shrinks. In addition to diminishing the appearance of varicose or spider veins, sclerotherapy can also reduce pain or side effects caused by damaged veins.
Injection sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure that has been used since the 1930s. It is designed to reduce the appearance of spider veins and as a result, enhance your self-esteem and physical appearance.
What Are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
Varicose veins are also known as chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins occur when the veins swell and bulge, usually in the legs. This is due to weak vein walls that weaken the vein valves. As a result, blood pools up the veins, causing them to swell. Varicose veins can cause itching, pain, cramping and discoloration. Varicose veins are more common in women than in men, although anyone can get them. It is estimated that about 20 percent of adults will be affected by varicose veins at some point in their lifetime.
Spider veins are smaller and less severe than varicose veins. They are tiny bluish or reddish looking veins at the surface of the skin usually found on the legs. They can develop from weak or damaged valves. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to sun and injuries. These veins can appear because of other factors such as heredity, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, weight gain, and prolonged sitting or standing.
What You Should Know About Sclerotherapy
You should consider treatment with sclerotherapy when the veins are painful, when the legs feel sore or heavy, when the skin on the legs or feet is patchy or dry, or when there is a rash near the veins.
The most common areas for varicose veins to develop are on your legs and feet. Depending on the severity of the condition, sclerotherapy treatment for venous problems can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Depending on how far below the skin the damaged vein is, your doctor may use an ultrasound as part of the procedure. With a fine needle, your doctor will inject the damaged vein with a sclerosing agent. The liquid or foam solution causes the walls of the injected vein to seal shut, so blood is redirected to unaffected veins. Over time, your body absorbs the damaged vein, making it less visible and uncomfortable.
There is little to no downtime associated with sclerotherapy, and you immediately return to your everyday activities.
To learn more about sclerotherapy, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Doctors Best Wellness Center is located in Weston, Florida, serving residents of Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas in Florida.
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