The process of injecting a solution into blood vessels or that causes them to shrink is what we call sclerotherapy in medical terms. Reticular veins and spider veins—which are the superficial red and blue veins you can see on your legs—can be treated with this option.

People who suffer from small varicose veins often benefit from this procedure. The recovery process takes a few days, but results can take a few weeks or months to fully develop.

 

 

Who Needs Sclerotherapy Treatment?

Depending on the severity of the Reticular veins or spider veins, sclerotherapy may be a good option. A specialist makes the decision to perform sclerotherapy before the procedure. They usually determine it by checking your medical history and other vitals.

Small varicose veins respond particularly well to sclerosis. It is estimated that 50% to 80% of injected veins can be removed in one session; results can be seen almost immediately, but will improve over time.

Who Should Avoid Sclerotherapy Treatment?

People with active deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis are not eligible for this treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not suitable for this procedure, either.

Sclerotherapy will not usually be performed on a vein that might be needed for surgical bypass procedures in the near future.

If you are considering sclerotherapy, you should speak with your trusted sclerotherapy provider about its success rate. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid feeling disappointed. Additionally, results may not appear immediately, so you must be patient.

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Pre- & Post-Care

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Avoid taking certain medications before your sclerotherapy treatment. Your skin may stain when you take antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline seven to 10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Obtain safe guidelines for stopping other antibiotic medications from your healthcare provider.

 

Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications during and after sclerotherapy. There is a possibility that these drugs can interfere with the sclerosing agent's action or increase bleeding. Other medications including insulin or prednisone are not suitable candidates for treatment. Consultations are always complimentary.

Important Tips: Don't apply lotion before or after sclerotherapy; try wearing a soft pair of shorts for comfort.

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Advantages of Sclerotherapy

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There is little to no pain with enough compression from the bandage on the vein. Compression may also help with bruising and swelling. With instant results, you may be able to get rid of an estimated 50% to 80% of the injected veins after the first session.

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Risks Involved in Sclerotherapy Treatment

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Side effects of sclerotherapy may include lumpy or tougher skin surrounding the veins for a longer period. It may also cause redness where the needle went in.

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Darkness may occur in the area of treatment, but it usually takes three to six months for the brown lines or spots on your skin at the injection site to disappear. Contact Seamless Health at 416-639-8791 for more information on how we can assist with treatments for spider veins and varicose veins today.