Varicose Veins Sclerotherapy by Mid-South Vascular Physicians
Have you noticed that you can clearly see the veins on your upper thighs and legs? You likely have varicose veins. Varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. The varicose veins happen in the veins near the surface of the skin. If the valves start to become weakened or damaged, blood can collect in the veins. Fortunately, there are varicose veins treatment options. One procedure considered a treatment of choice for small varicose veins is called Sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The sclerotherapy solution causes the veins to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
Why Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Many people do not like the look of varicose veins and want them removed for cosmetic purposes, but removing them can also help with a host of other varicose veins or spider veins side effects. With sclerotherapy, side effects such as swelling, burning, aching, or night cramps are all diminished.
Side Effects from Sclerotherapy.
The side effects usually go away in just a few days or weeks. Although some could persist for up to a year before diminishing entirely. Some of the side effects that might occur at the injection site include:
- Small skin sores
- Multiple tiny vessels
- Bruising
- Raised red spots
- Many small red blood vessels
- Skin that is darker in the form of spots or lines
What You Can Expect Before the Procedure
Depending on the veins involved, your doctor will probably want to do an ultrasound. The day before your procedure, it is best not to shave or apply any lotion on your legs. Wear shorts or loose clothing on the day of the procedure.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure is non-invasive, meaning you will not need any anesthesia, and it usually only takes about an hour to complete. You will lie on your back with your legs elevated; after cleaning the area with alcohol, your doctor will use a fine-tip needle and slowly insert the solution into the right vein. On occasion, there might be cramps or minor stinging. Yet, this rarely occurs, but if you feel genuine pain tell your doctor as some of the solution could have leaked into surrounding tissue.
Once the needle is taken out, your doctor will massage and apply compression to the area. This keeps blood out of the injected vessel and disperses the solution.
After the Procedure
You will be up and walking shortly after the treatment. Walking helps to prevent the formation of blood clots. You will need to wear a compression bandage to keep compression on the treated vein for a few weeks. It would help if you also avoided any strenuous activities for a few weeks, but you can get back to your normal activities on the same day.
Sclerotherapy Near Me
If you are experiencing varicose veins and are ready to say goodbye to them at Mid-South Vascular Physicians, our doctors are experts at treating varicose veins. Contact us today at (901) 519-4690 to schedule a consultation.