Individuals in the Santa Monica, California area and other parts of the country who are suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins may find relief through various minimally-invasive treatment options such as sclerotherapy. This is a procedure that involves the injection of a chemical sclerant that works to irritate problem veins, causing them to shrink, collapse, and disappear entirely. With these veins unable to carry blood following the procedure, other veins in the area will take over blood flow. But before treatment, patients should consult a professional in their area to discuss their treatment options.
The treatment may be beneficial for those with spider veins or small varicose veins. To treat larger varicose veins, patients should explore other options. Some procedures may be combined with sclerotherapy, but this is something that should first be discussed with a professional. Several sessions of the treatment may be required depending on the extent of the veins that are being treated, and this is another item that patients are encouraged to discuss beforehand with their Santa Monica vein specialist.
Before administering the injections, the treatment area is sterilized. The sclerosant is then injected into the larger of the problem veins, followed by smaller ones. The progress of the treatment is monitored throughout the procedure, usually using ultrasound technology. Most patients do not feel pain or feel very little pain during the procedure, and do not require a local anesthetic. There may be a minor stinging or burning sensation during and immediately following the treatment, but this goes away rather quickly. A bandage is applied to the treatment area, and compression stockings are usually worn for a few days to aid in the healing process. About 15 to 30 minutes are necessary to perform the procedure.
Some of the possible side effects of treatment include allergic reactions, infection at the site of treatment, and complications that may be associated with poor injection technique. These complications are rare, although patients should discuss them with a medical professional and should always seek treatment from a well-trained and experienced vein specialist in their area. Most treatments are performed in a doctor's office or out-patient clinic, and anesthetic is generally not required. Patients may be encouraged to walk to promote circulation after treatment, but should avoid participating in any strenuous activity for a few days as the area heals.
Learn more about sclerotherapy in Santa Monica, California.
