Foam Sclerotherapy: How Tiny Injections Get Rid of Spider Veins

In Plantation, Florida and around the country, patients suffering from spider veins and small varicose veins have discovered the usefulness of foam sclerotherapy in eliminating these conditions. This minimally invasive procedure requires no incisions and minimal to no downtime. Compared with certain other methods for relieving spider veins, foam sclerotherapy offers effective relief without the invasiveness of surgery or incisions.

Before treatment, patients should consult their doctor to determine if they are suffering from spider veins or varicose veins. While foam sclerotherapy may be used to treat smaller varicose veins, large cases of varicose veins may be referred to other treatment options such as endovenous laser ablation or VNUS, for example. Once the condition has been diagnosed, treatment may begin.

Foam sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis in a clinic or doctor's office. Most treatments take between 30 and 45 minutes to perform, although this may vary slightly. A general anesthetic is not required, although a topical anesthetic is often used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. A mild stinging during and immediately after each injection of the foam solution used in foam sclerotherapy may be present.

The treatment area will be injected with sclerosing foam and ultrasound technology will be used to ensure the foam is properly spread. In many cases, for each inch of vein being treated, one injection may be required. Talk to a doctor for an accurate estimate of how many injections may be required during treatment.

The sclerosing foam irritates the vessel wall, causing the vein to collapse, shrink and eventually disappear entirely. In many cases, only one treatment session may be necessary and results may begin to become evident almost immediately following treatment. In certain cases, more than one treatment session may be required to reach optimal results.

Possible risks associated with foam sclerotherapy include the possibility of microembolisms. These are tiny blood clots that form in the treatment area. Other side effects of this procedure may include itching, redness and bruising, although these usually subside within a few days of treatment.

Recovery from foam sclerotherapy is mild; most patients are able to return to work or other normal activities immediately following treatment. A compression garment may be recommended for a couple of days after treatment to aid in healing and to promote healthy blood flow. Patients are strongly encouraged to follow their physician's specific recovery instructions to ensure proper healing.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from other sclerotherapy treatments in that the solution injected into the problem veins is a foam consistency, rather than a liquid formulation commonly used in other treatments. The foam formulation offers a few unique advantages over liquid varieties in that it displaces blood in the vein much more effectively, allowing for more direct contact with the vessel wall. The foam is also easier to see on ultrasound, allowing the doctor to track the treatment more effectively.

Those interested in foam sclerotherapy to treat spider veins or small varicose veins should consult a vein specialist to determine if they are a candidate for this procedure. Most men and women who have spider veins or small varicose veins are considered candidates for foam sclerotherapy. Those with certain cardiovascular conditions or blood problems may be excluded. Pregnant women should not undergo foam sclerotherapy, either.

For more specific information about foam sclerotherapy or other venous treatments or procedures, consult a licensed vein specialist in the Plantation area. This is the best resource for further information pertaining to spider veins, varicose veins, foam sclerotherapy and other vein treatment options.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Plantation, Florida.