Sclerotherapy
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution as liquid or foam solution through a very fine needle within a swollen varicose vein. It can equally be used in larger veins, tiny blood vessels or multiple veins. This process makes the vein wall swell. The wall of the treated vein then sticks together or closes, stopping blood flow. This allows the treated vessels to fade within days. This treatment is effective for spider veins and varicose veins. This procedure is low risk and minimally invasive. Additionally, it’s quick to complete and doesn’t require any local or general anaesthetic. Plus, it’s good to know that it causes little stinging sensation or discomfort.
How Is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy Performed?
Ultrasound guidance is a medical procedure that has revolutionised the way we diagnose and treat varicose veins and larger veins. By using ultrasound, we can target the affected veins with extreme precision. It potentially minimises risks and complications associated with traditional treatment methods. The foam solution initiates a chemical reaction in the injected vein that damages the lining of the diseased vein. Ultimately it causes them to bind together, halting the blood flow of the injected veins. This minimally invasive and highly effective approach to treating venous disease helps many patients. They can find relief from the debilitating symptoms associated with varicose veins and spider veins, without having to undergo invasive procedures.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
Typically, the medical procedure takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. However, it’s important to remember that the precise timing of further treatment can depend on various factors. Those factors include the complexity of the procedure, the patient’s health condition, and the experience of the medical staff performing the procedure. This may seem like a brief time in the grand scheme of things. It’s imperative to take the recommended amount of time to ensure the best possible outcome.
What Is The Recovery Time?
The best part about this treatment is that once it’s completed, patients can resume their normal daily activities without delay. This will not impact the healing process of their treated veins. It’s truly remarkable how quickly pain can fade. Mild bruising from the veins injected will disappear within just three to six weeks. Walking is highly encouraged post-treatment. Walking can help improve overall health, as well as wearing support hosiery or compression stockings.
What Is The Success Rate Of Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Nowadays, with advancements in medical knowledge, 85% of these varicose vein treatments are now expertly crafted to produce successful outcomes. The knowledge and expertise of the vein doctor involved in these procedures plays a major role in determining the success of the treatment. Whether you need a vein treatment for varicose veins, spider veins, or other vein-related issues, it’s important to choose a doctor who is knowledgeable and experienced in the latest techniques.
Is Sclerotherapy Injection Painful?
Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment option for individuals looking to tackle spider veins and varicose veins for cosmetic reasons or medical reasons. But many are reluctant to undergo the treatment, fearing it will be too painful to endure. The truth is, however, that sclerotherapy isn’t always painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or a slight discomfort or burning sensation. On the other hand, others may not feel anything at all.
Who Needs To Have Sclerotherapy Treatment?
It is important to consult with a vein doctor beforehand to determine whether you are eligible for this procedure. Dr Gilles Laur will perform a thorough physical exam. He will order the necessary blood tests if required. He will identify any venous problems with the help of an ultrasound. Sclerotherapy may not be performed on veins needed for pending surgery or if you have a blood clot, depending on the underlying cause. During the consultation, Dr Gilles Laur will ensure that you don’t take certain medications that could interact with the treatment, which could increase the risk of rare complications. But, if you are looking for a non-invasive solution to improve the appearance of surface veins on your legs or to treat the complication created by larger varicose veins or other deep veins, sclerotherapy may be the solution for you.
Can Sclerotherapy Be Used On All Varicose Veins?
Sclerotherapy can be a successful treatment for smaller varicose veins and spider veins, but not all varicosities are the same. Large veins or deep vein within the body may require a more advanced approach. Advanced techniques such as endovenous laser treatment or radiofrequency venous ablation might be required. Additionally, the main veins inside of the legs might need to be properly treated as well. Sclerotherapy has also been used to treat hemorrhoids, new veins from previous treatments, and vascular malformations. Fortunately, there are solutions available for any type of varicose or spider vein or condition – it simply depends on what works best for that particular individual.
How Long Does Sclerotherapy Last?
Sclerotherapy, a popular treatment for spider veins, can leave you with either permanent or temporary results. In some cases, veins treated with sclerotherapy fade away completely, providing patients with long-lasting results. However, new spider veins may form over time, causing the results of the treatment to be temporary. Though not a permanent fix, sclerotherapy is an effective way to diminish the appearance of spider veins and provide sufferers with some relief. If you’re considering sclerotherapy, it is important to understand the potential outcomes and have realistic expectations. Consult with a vein doctor to determine if sclerotherapy is right for you.How Many Sclerotherapy Treatments Are Required To Remove Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common problem that can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. If you’re considering sclerotherapy as a treatment option, you may be wondering how many sessions you’ll need. The answer varies based on several factors, such as the severity of your condition and your individual response to therapy. 80% of veins can be treated during a single treatment session. However, most patients require 2-4 multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. It’s worth noting that some of the treated veins might not disappear completely despite repeated treatments. The majority of patients successfully treated notice significant improvement within a few weeks after treatment. With a success rate of 90%, sclerotherapy is a safe and effective option for reducing the appearance of varicose veins.
- What Are The Risks Or Complications Of Sclerotherapy?
While it is generally a safe and effective procedure, there are some risks and complications that can occur.
Side Effects Of Sclerotherapy
Common side effects of sclerotherapy include:
- Bruising
- Stinging
- Swelling
- Skin Discoloration
- Discomfort
- Raised Red Areas That Appear Around The Injection Sites ( Trapped Blood)
It’s true that certain side effects from medical treatments can be alarming. Although, It’s important to remember that most are only temporary. Brown lines or spots appearing near the treated areas can understandably cause anxiety. It’s reassuring to know that they typically resolve within a few months. Of course, some patients may experience longer-lasting effects or even permanent discoloration of treated area. These cases are fairly rare. In general, it’s best to be patient and trust that your body will eventually heal itself.
Complications
More serious side effects include
- Allergic Reaction To The Sclerosing Agent
- Skin Ulceration Around The Injection Site
- Blood Clots In The Treated Veins Or Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Discomfort Around The Injection Site, Caused By Inflammation
- Infection In The Skin
If you experience any concerning symptoms after undergoing sclerotherapy, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or sudden swelling, it is important to seek medical attention right away to reduce the risk of serious complications.
What To Do After Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Wearing compression stockings for one to three weeks after treatment can greatly benefit patients in their recovery process, in addition to light exercise.
A follow-up visit within two weeks can help improve the prognosis and appearance by enabling the evacuation of trapped blood in larger veins.
Does Medicare Or Insurance Cover The Cost Of Sclerotherapy?
It’s great to know that the treatment of varicose veins can attract some medicare rebate depending on your initial consultation and underlying venous issue.
Your insurance company can cover your compression stocking, even though their coverage may differ. Preapproval can also be helpful in ensuring coverage. While spider veins may not always be covered by insurance, there are many effective cosmetic treatments available to address this issue and help you feel more confident in your skin.
