Is Foam Sclerotherapy Different Than Other Sclerotherapy Procedures?

Updated on: August 18, 2014

Varicose veins and spider veins are a problematic condition affecting patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and around the country. While spider veins may not cause pain and heaviness in the legs and may not appear as bulging, they may be just as embarrassing due to their own unsightly appearance. Overcoming these conditions is often of the utmost importance for many individuals. Before seeking treatment, patients should determine if they are suffering from varicose veins or spider veins, as treatment may differ depending on which condition is diagnosed.

Foam sclerotherapy is a procedure that has been used to treat patients suffering from spider veins and small varicose veins. Those with larger varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other treatment options such as endovenous laser ablation or other options. Patients should consult a vein specialist in the Palm Beach Gardens area to determine from which venous condition they're suffering.

Foam sclerotherapy, like other sclerotherapy treatments, is an injectable treatment that utilizes a chemical sclerant to irritate the vessel walls, causing the problem veins to collapse and eventually fade away completely. Injections are made into the specific treatment area and surrounding veins are not harmed, as they will carry out blood flow with the treated veins unable to carry blood following foam sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy is a non-invasive treatment and does not require a recovery period. Patients are often able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment, which is a big benefit of this treatment over other vein treatments available.

Where foam sclerotherapy differs from other sclerotherapy treatments is in the formulation of the chemical sclerant used to irritate the vessel lining. In other sclerotherapy procedures, the chemical sclerant is of a liquid formulation, while foam sclerotherapy uses a foam formulation with a consistency similar to that of shaving cream. There are a few distinct advantages of the foam formulation compared to the liquid formulation. For one, the foam formulation is easier to view and track using ultrasound. It is also more effective at displacing blood within the vein, allowing for greater contact with the vessel wall.

Patients who are interested in foam sclerotherapy are encouraged to speak with a medical professional in the Palm Beach Gardens are to determine if foam sclerotherapy is right for them. There has been a risk of microembolisms in the treatment area associated with this treatment, so patients should also discuss this with the vein specialist before receiving treatment.

Insurance may cover the cost of foam sclerotherapy if it is used to treat varicose veins that are of a medical concern, however, it may not be covered if it is used to treat spider veins that are considered a cosmetic concern. Speak with your insurance company as well as a vein specialist in your area for more information and to determine if the procedure will be covered. Each session of foam sclerotherapy may run between $200 and $500 per treatment, although this may vary depending on your geographic location and the clinic you choose.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. .

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