If you have problematic veins, whether they can be seen or not, sclerotherapy may be your best treatment option. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses an injection of a chemical, often a saline solution, into a vein that irritates the vein wall and causes the blood to coagulate and the vein to collapse. When the vein is closed, the blood flows through an interior vein, and the surrounding tissue gradually absorbs the damaged vein.
If the veins are large and unsightly, you may be able to have smooth legs again. The procedure usually takes about five to 30 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated and their size. After the injection is given, our specialist may apply pressure to prevent the blood from returning to the vein. You may also be asked to wear compression stockings for a few days or weeks to help maintain the pressure on the veins.
The chemical that is used for the treatment is called a sclerosant and the one chosen depends on the size of the vein to be treated, its location and any allergic reactions the patient may have. Different strengths of sclerosant may be used. Sclerotherapy may be used to treat smaller spider veins that develop because of the pressure of the varicose vein. If the vein is large, a foam sclerosant may be used because foam will disperse inside the vein faster and to a larger area. The normal sclerosant is made into foam and injected under ultrasound control.
Anyone who is not obese and has venous insufficiency that is poorly controlled with compression stockings may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy. During a consultation with our specialist, your varicose veins and/or spider veins will be examined and the proper treatment may be recommended. The site of the defective vein as well as the venous drainage pattern must be determined before sclerotherapy is recommended as treatment. If you are generally healthy and have small veins, you may be a good candidate.
Our specialist will use ultrasound to determine the exact site of the affected vein. If the area only has small spider veins, ultrasound may not be needed. There is no recovery time needed. You may be asked to walk around for a few minutes after the in-office treatment, but you can go home the same day. It is important to have a follow-up visit within two weeks after the treatment.
Sclerotherapy benefits those who just want to remove unsightly veins. It also benefits those who have chronic swelling and poor venous blood flow. Other symptoms that may improve are aching, itching, swelling and night cramps.
Sclerotherapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center for problematic veins. The veins usually disappear in a few weeks, although it may take a month or two. In certain cases, several treatments are needed to get the best results. Our office is located in El Segundo, and we proudly serve the Los Angeles and surrounding areas as well. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.