In addition to treating spider veins, sclerotherapy may be successful in treating small varicose veins as well. Patients in Houston, Texas—and across the nation for that matter—have found relief through this treatment. While spider veins do not cause any pain, they can be very embarrassing and a nuisance to those afflicted with the condition. Patients who do experience pain with spider veins should speak to a medical professional, as it may be likely that they are suffering from small varicose veins. In this case, patients should consult with a vein specialist to determine if sclerotherapy is an option, or if some other treatment may provide better results.

Determining that you are suffering from spider veins is a visual process. Spider veins are tiny blood vessels that appear in various patterns on the leg. They get their name because in many cases they resemble a spider—there may be a dark central point with several veins emanating from it. They may appear blue, purple or red and may be dark or light. Patients who believe they are suffering from spider veins should speak to a vein specialist to discuss their options and to make sure that the condition is not varicose veins instead.

Sclerotherapy works by injecting the problem veins with a chemical called sclerant. This chemical irritates the vessel lining, making it become inflamed. The vein then hardens before fading away completely. Blood circulation that flowed through these veins will then flow in other, healthy veins below the skin.

The area to be treated is sterilized before the injections are administered. One injection may be required for every inch of vein treated. It may take 15 to 30 minutes to complete the entire procedure, but this may vary. There may be minor pain during the procedure because of the injections, but this typically does not require an anesthetic. Also, some patients may experience a slight burning or stinging sensation during or right after treatment. This sensation is fleeting, however, and should go away shortly after the procedure.

Mild bruising, itching and/or swelling may be common around the injection site, but these side effects are not common and are often short lived. Over-the-counter medication should take care of any minor pain or discomfort that patients feel following sclerotherapy. The use of compression stockings may be encouraged by a vein specialist for a few days following treatment.

More serious side effects may include allergic reaction or infection around the injection site. Other complications resulting from a poor injection technique may also be possible if the technician is not properly trained or is unskilled. For this reason, patients seeking sclerotherapy or any treatment for spider veins or varicose veins are advised to receive treatment in a reputable clinic in the Houston area.

Patients should speak to a medical professional in the field for more information. An outpatient clinic that provides treatment for venous conditions such as spider veins or a doctor's office are ideal environments for which to receive sclerotherapy. As it is a minimally invasive procedure and no anesthesia is required, an overnight stay in the hospital is not necessary.

Several factors may go into determining which varicose vein treatment offers the best chance of success and satisfaction. Some patients may turn to less invasive procedures to treat their varicose veins or spider veins, such as endovenous laser ablation or sclerotherapy, while others may prefer to use more traditional measures to rid themselves of varicose veins, even if that means turning to a more invasive procedure such as varicose vein surgery. The best resource for information regarding vein treatments and venous conditions is a medical professional in the field, but going into a consultation with some level of understanding of treatment options may prove to be a good head start.

For instance, patients who are interested in varicose vein surgery may have several questions they'd like answered before undergoing the procedure. Making sure you understand the procedure and what is involved before, during and after the procedure can help to avoid complications or surprises along the way, leading to a more positive result.

Varicose vein surgery may be the answer for patients suffering from varicose veins that cause venous insufficiency (problems with blood flow), leg pain associated with varicose veins, ulcers or sores caused by poor blood flow, phlebitis (blood clots or inflammation of the veins) or Lipodermatosclerosis, which is the hardening of fatty tissue under the skin brought on by high blood pressure in the vein. Varicose vein surgery may also help to improve the appearance of the leg, as varicose veins can be very unsightly.

The procedure takes about one to one and half hours. Patients are normally given a general anesthetic during this procedure so that they are unconscious and cannot feel pain during the procedure. Two small incisions are made in the leg, one near the top of the damaged vein, and one near the bottom. A thin, flexible wire with a head on it will then be fed through the vein through the top incision, normally around the groin area. As the doctor pulls the wire out of the other incision towards the bottom of the vein, the head of the wire will pull the vein out with it. Stitches are then used to close the incisions. Other smaller problem veins may also be taken care of during this procedure, either by removing them or tying them off.

There are inherent risks associated with any surgery that involves a general anesthetic. These may include allergic reactions or breathing problems, but patients should discuss these risks with their doctor to help prevent or avoid any problems. Bleeding, infection and bruising are other risks associated with most surgeries, while bruising and scarring, nerve injuries and the return of the varicose vein are risks associated specifically with varicose vein surgery.

Patients should offer full disclosure regarding their medical history, any medications they are taking and should answer any other questions their doctor may ask prior to the procedure. This has helped patients in the past avoid potential problems.

It is also important that patients in Shorewood, Illinois follow their doctor's instructions in the days leading up to the procedure and during their recovery period after the procedure. Bandages may be used to help reduce swelling or bleeding for a few days or weeks after the procedure, and patients may be advised to keep their legs elevated in a certain position. Compression stockings and pain medications may also be recommended by your doctor. The doctor may also advise patients to take short walks throughout the day.

While scars may be present, patients in the Shorewood area have found success through varicose vein surgery, noticing improvements in appearance and reducing pain associated with varicose veins.

The first treatment often prescribed to patients suffering from venous diseases such as varicose veins is compression stockings. Patients in Prescott, Arizona may have questions regarding the benefits that these may bring and when and how they should be worn. In fact, compression stockings may be used on their own before other treatments are performed, or they may be used in conjunction with other treatments, or following other treatments.

Patients having trouble with venous diseases such as varicose veins are encouraged to consult with their physician regarding their condition. The physician may recommend any number of treatments, but depending on the specific condition, compression stockings may be used as the primary option before other treatments are performed. Compression stockings may help patients move blood more efficiently through their legs and may be successful in alleviating certain symptoms brought on by venous disease.

The reason that compression stockings may be the first approach taken by some physicians in treating varicose veins is because they are relatively inexpensive when compared with other treatments. The stockings are meant to reduce the pooling that is often present in varicose veins or spider veins, therefore relieving certain symptoms. These stockings will not eliminate the presence of varicose veins, but the swelling, aching and/or heaviness caused by varicose veins may be alleviated. Compression stockings may also be useful in avoiding blood clots that may be triggered by plane rides or long car rides.

The compression stockings apply the most pressure around the ankle, while applying less pressure as they go up the leg. This is meant to assist in moving the blood back up the leg towards the heart. There are various strengths and the vein specialist who prescribes them will help determine which strength is right for the patient. Discussing this with a physician may be helpful in further understanding the treatment and the condition.

Compression stockings are to be worn all day. Patients may want to consider this while shopping for compression stockings before choosing a pair. Patients who select a pair of compression stockings they are comfortable wearing may find wearing them all day to be less of a problem. Different colors and styles are often available, so patients may want to consider a few options before making a decision. There are different brands available, with name brands often costing more than others. Compression stockings may vary in price. The price may range from $50 to $125.

While compression stockings are meant to be tight, they should not be too tight. Sometimes, patients with weak hands or arthritis may have difficulty putting them on. Certain products are available that may make dressing easier. Speaking to a vein specialist in Prescott is usually the best way to obtain more information about compression stockings and the variety of strengths, brands or styles available. Patients with questions regarding other treatment options are also encouraged to speak to a medical professional specializing in vein care for more information.

Patients in Glendale, Arizona are presented with several treatment options when facing varicose veins and other venous diseases. Treating those larger, bulging varicose veins is often difficult for many patients, as some treatments may prove less than successful. Dark, bulging varicose veins may be treated with a microphlebectomy. A relatively short procedure usually performed in under an hour, a microphlebectomy is often performed on an outpatient basis. Patients who are suffering from bulging varicose veins should consult a vein specialist in their area for more information about this and other procedures that may be helpful.

Using imaging technology, the doctor is able to map the problem veins for greater precision and a better understanding of the patient's veins. The surrounding tissue is then numbed and small vertical incisions are made along the veins. The problem veins will then be removed through these incisions. There are no stitches required in this procedure, as the incisions are very small. There is also minimal bleeding involved in this procedure, and any scarring that may occur as a result of a microphlebectomy is often so minute that it is very difficult to see.

A sterile dressing will be applied to the treated area following this procedure to protect the wounds as they heal. Compression stockings are also applied following this procedure, and the patient is usually required to wear them for about two weeks. The compression stockings offer continued support to the treated area and help to minimize bruising. The minimally invasive nature of this procedure allows patients to return to their normal activities a day after the procedure. However, patients should check with their doctor regarding recovery and downtime before resuming any normal activities.

This procedure may be covered by insurance only if the procedure is deemed a medical necessity. Patients who are interested in a microphlebectomy to relieve their varicose veins should consult a vein specialist and speak to their insurance company to see if it is covered.

Several clinics in the Glendale area may offer this procedure, so patients should locate a clinic that uses only the latest equipment and tools to ensure their safety and their satisfaction with the procedure. Patients who are interested in a microphlebectomy should also consider other options before deciding on any procedure. This helps them better understand their condition and its possible solutions. A consultation with a phlebologist or physician will help to answer any lingering questions that patients may have.

Patients suffering from varicose veins in the San Diego area are finding that varicose vein surgery is often their top choice for relieving this condition. Often a painful and embarrassing condition, varicose veins often lead patients to seek the very best treatment in the quickest manner possible. Sometimes this means that endovenous laser ablation or another treatment is the best option, while other times surgery is a better choice.

The surface varicose veins that are visible to many patients are often caused by other vein problems. It is important to treat both the surface veins and the underlying vein problem causing the aesthetic effect. Patients will be evaluated by a vein specialist before receiving any treatment. The specialist will help the patient determine the best treatment for their condition and unique case. As every individual patient is different, what works for one patient may not work for another, so it is important to discuss all possible options with a vein specialist before deciding on a procedure.

Several surgical options may be available. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of surface varicose veins. Only a local anesthetic is needed and this procedure can be performed in a doctor's office. Tiny incisions or punctures are made in the skin and the varicose veins are removed through them. No stitches are required, as the incisions are very small. Patients should be able to walk after this procedure.

A transilluminated powered phlebectomy is another procedure that may help patients suffering from this condition. Using a flashlight-like device, a doctor is able to illuminate, target and remove the varicose veins. The traditional method is often done without visual confirmation of the vein or its removal. This procedure allows the doctor to achieve a greater level of precision in the removal of varicose veins.

A light anesthetic is used in this procedure. Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is performed in an operating room and the surgeon works using two small incisions in a dark room. The illumination device is placed under the varicose vein, allowing the doctor to easily see the vein through the skin. Tumescent fluid is then introduced under the skin, which loosens the vein and provides the anesthetic. The vein is then suctioned into a small hole at the tip of the vein remover. A blade cuts the vein into small pieces which are removed by suction from the body. There are no stitches required and most patients wake up from the procedure with no pain. Patients are usually able to go home the same day, about an hour after the procedure, and return to work in about two to three days.

In a procedure called vein ligation, incisions are made over the problem vein so that it may be tied off. This stops the flow of blood through the vein, which causes it to become less visible. There may be a high rate of reccurrence following this procedure, which leads many doctors to recommend other options.

Vein stripping is another possibility for patients suffering from varicose veins. This procedure is often performed under a general anesthetic. About 150,000 surgeries like this are performed in the United States every year. In this procedure, the upper end of a problem vein is tied off and the rest of the vein removed from the patient's body.

Patients in San Diego and the nearby communities who would like to know more about these and other procedures should contact a vein specialist for more information about varicose veins and possible treatments.