If you have painful varicose veins or spider veins, sclerotherapy can benefit you. It is a time-tested, safe and effective treatment that may completely remove your varicose veins. It is minimally invasive and requires little or no recovery time. It is a good alternative to surgery for many people.
The procedure consists of injecting a chemical solution into the affected vein. When the vein can no longer function, it collapses and the blood flows through healthy veins. Gradually, the surrounding tissue absorbs the treated vein, and it usually disappears in a few weeks or a month. In some cases, several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Sclerotherapy is often performed for cosmetic purposes. Varicose and spider veins on the legs may be embarrassing when people dress for warm weather or go to the beach. There are symptoms that may accompany varicose veins that are painful, such as aching in the lower legs, a burning sensation, swelling and night cramps.
While varicose veins are not a major health risk, they can develop into serious conditions if they are not treated. It is common for people to develop varicose veins deeper in the legs that are not seen on the surface. If you have uncontrollable itching, a red rash around your ankles and a heavy feeling in your lower legs, you may want to consider visiting our office. Your symptoms can be examined with ultrasound imaging and diagnosed. Your medical history will be evaluated and checked for any underlying blood vessel diseases. If you have unseen varicose veins, they can be removed with sclerotherapy.
The procedure is done in our office and doesn’t take long, depending on the number of veins being treated. It doesn’t require any anesthesia. When the treatment is completed, you may be asked to walk around to help prevent blood clots and wear compression stockings for about two weeks. This will help the vein stay closed.
There are usually few complications with sclerotherapy, but some temporary side effects that will go away in a few days or weeks may be:
- Raised red areas
- Bruising
- Dark lines or spots
- Small sores
- Several small red blood vessels
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. It can benefit almost anyone who is suffering pain and embarrassment from the affected veins. Call Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center today to schedule a consultation. With our office conveniently located in El Segundo, CA, we are proud to serve the Los Angeles community.