Sclerotherapy: a Great Option for Spider Vein Treatment

Anybody suffering from spider veins will attest to the embarrassment or negative attention they can bring. This leads many patients in California to seek treatment with a vein specialist with a special knowledge of the field. Patients often think that there are only a few treatments that will be able to help reduce the appearance of spider veins, but in fact there are numerous treatment options that patients can discuss with their doctor. A medical professional who specializes in vein treatment is the best resource for more information, but a little background information to take into a consultation is a good thing.

Sclerotherapy is one such option that can help to reduce the appearance of spider veins and help patients regain their confidence. While they are not painful like varicose veins can be, spider veins can be very embarrassing and may in some cases affect a person's social, personal or professional life. The sclerotherapy procedure is non-invasive and is done on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office. Unlike some treatments, sclerotherapy does not require a general anesthetic or an overnight stay in a hospital. For this reason and others, many patients are finding sclerotherapy to be very helpful and convenient.

There are no incisions involved in sclerotherapy, only an injection. The procedure begins with the cleansing of the area to be treated. A local anesthetic is applied after the cleansing. A chemical is then injected into the problem vein, which reacts with the vessel wall causing it to collapse. A slight sting may be felt during this procedure, but the burning sensation lasts only a few seconds. Patients are able to see the results almost immediately. However, it may take two to four treatments before optimal results can be reached. Patients who are suffering from only a minor case of spider veins may need only one to two treatments to reach optimal results.

The results of this procedure have statistically been very successful. The full effects of each treatment may not be realized for several weeks, prompting many physicians to recommend that their patients wait a few weeks in between treatments.

Following sclerotherapy, patients may be advised to wear compression stockings for a short period of time. A vein specialist will advise the patient about how long they should wear these stockings. There may be some bruising and swelling at the injection site for a few days after this procedure. While rare, there may be other side effects as well. Patients should disclose any allergies and a full medical history to avoid any allergic reactions, although these are rare. Some patients may also experience intense itching at the injection site. If the procedure is performed improperly and the chemical is injected outside of the vein, pain and discoloration may occur. Patients should be sure to locate a clinic with adequate experience in performing sclerotherapy for the best results. As always, more information about possible side effects is available with a vein specialist.

The cost of sclerotherapy may vary depending on location and the clinic offering the procedure, so patients are advised to inquire about the cost during a consultation with a vein specialist. Patients in California who would like to know more about sclerotherapy and other options for treating spider veins should consult a vein specialist in their area.