For those in Asheville, North Carolina who are suffering from varicose veins or spider veins, foam sclerotherapy may be presented to them as an option for destroying these problem veins. But what's the difference between foam sclerotherapy and traditional sclerotherapy? Understanding your treatment options is one of the first steps in finding relief, as an informed patient is often a more successful patient in terms of overcoming that that ails them.
Both treatments use a chemical sclerant that works by irritating the vessel lining of problem veins. This causes the veins to shrink, collapse, and eventually disappear entirely. The treatment is minimally-invasive, very successful, and convenient for patients who are looking to avoid procedures that require extensive recovery periods and downtime. With sclerotherapy treatments, patients are usually able to return to work or resume other normal daily activities right after they receive treatment. Listen to any recovery instructions given to you by the Asheville vein specialist who performs the procedure, but aside from the wearing of compression stockings and avoidance of strenuous activities, most patients find this a very convenient and hassle-free treatment.
Where foam sclerotherapy and traditional sclerotherapy differ, though, is in the consistency of the formulation used. Foam sclerotherapy uses a foam formulation with a consistency similar to that of shaving cream. Traditional sclerotherapy, meanwhile, uses a liquid formulation. The foam formulation has a few advantages over the liquid formulation, particularly the added surface area of the sclerant. This allows for more effective displacement of blood inside of the vein for greater contact with the vessel lining, and a more effective treatment. Liquid formulations may be diluted by the blood in the vein. The foam formulation is also easier to view using ultrasound, making tracking it more effective.
Before receiving either procedure, make sure you speak with the Asheville vein specialist regarding your candidacy for treatment. Most men and women with spider veins or small varicose veins are considered candidates, but those with larger varicose veins may be encouraged to seek alternative treatment options. Individuals with certain blood or cardiovascular problems and women who are pregnant may not be considered candidates and encouraged to seek other options.
As with any procedure, there are certain risks associated with foam sclerotherapy that should be addressed by the specialist. There is a higher risk of microembolisms that form in the treatment associated with this procedure. Both sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy may cause itching, redness, or bruising around the treatment are in the ensuing days, but these should go away on their own in a few days. Insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of treatment unless part of a program to treat large varicose veins, so speak with the specialist on this front as well.
Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Asheville, North Carolina.
