Are you bothered by the appearance of unsightly varicose veins or spider veins? Sclerotherapy is a medical varicose veins treatment that has been used for decades to eliminate problem veins. It works through the use of a solution that is injected into the target vein, leading to its eventual collapse and absorption by your body. You can regain your confidence and experience relief from the discomfort caused by varicose veins with this simple treatment.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Veins are a type of blood vessel that carry blood toward the heart. After blood has been distributed throughout your body and released the oxygen it contains, it travels back to the heart through veins. Veins normally have a one-way valve that permits blood to travel through the vein without returning. For some reason, veins sometimes have malfunctioning valves that allow blood to pool in them, leading to the formation of varicose veins.
Spider veins are similar to varicose vein that are extremely tiny, often the width of a single red blood cell. These types of veins have the characteristic spider web appearance, while normal varicose veins are bluish, ropey, and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can present without any pain, but pain can be a feature of these unsightly veins, makes varicose veins treatment invaluable.
Sclerotherapy Procedure
If you undergo a sclerotherapy varicose veins treatment, we first inject a special type of solution into problem veins using a very fine needle. The procedure is performed in our office and takes under one hour. How many veins require treatment in one session depends upon the size and location of the varicose veins and your overall medical condition.
After we inject varicose veins with the solution, they will be damaged and eventually collapse. After their collapse, the varicose veins will be absorbed by your body, and the blood that they once contained will be rerouted into other blood vessels.
Good Candidates for Sclerotherapy
Before undergoing a sclerotherapy procedure, you will take part in a consultation with us to determine if this varicose veins treatment will benefit you. The treatment is not appropriate for women who are pregnant or have a history of blood clots when the condition is ongoing.
After Your Sclerotherapy Procedure
Following your procedure, you may drive home and resume normal activities. Aerobic activity is restricted, but you are encouraged to walk. You will need to wear compression garments over the treatment area. For the next two days after your procedure, you should refrain from taking medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid taking hot baths or direct sunlight exposure.
To Learn More
If you would like more detailed information about sclerotherapy, or want to determine your suitability for varicose veins treatment, the professionals at Worcester Dermatology Associates have the information you need. We are conveniently located in Worcester and Chelmsford, MA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!