Sclerotherapy and Spider Veins

In Tucson, Arizona, patients have benefited from the various venous treatment options available thanks to modern medical and technological advancements. Suffering from spider veins or varicose veins may be a burden on the professional, social or personal lives of many patients. Varicose veins may cause pain and heaviness in the legs. Both conditions have been known to cause embarrassment for some patients due to their unappealing appearance. Finding effective treatment is often important for these patients. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Those suffering from large varicose veins are encouraged to explore other options through a reputable vein clinic in their area.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that utilizes chemical injections to irritate the vessel wall so that it hardens and eventually disappears. Blood will no longer be able to flow through these veins treated with sclerotherapy and blood flow will be handled by deeper veins. This procedure has been successful in ridding patients of spider veins and is popular due to its minimally invasive nature. Currently, sclerotherapy performed on the hands, arms or face is considered safe. These areas had been previously avoided in sclerotherapy. Patients should speak with a physician before treating these areas, however.

Patients are often able to return to work or their normal routine immediately following treatment. Some minor itching and burning may be present during and after the injections, but this is often fleeting. Allergic reactions and infections around the injection site are rare complications that have been associated with sclerotherapy. Other complications resulting from poor injection technique may also be associated with this procedure. To help avoid these complications, patients are encouraged to seek a reputable vein clinic in the Tucson area.

To begin this procedure, the physician will sterilize the area being treated. The physician will then inject the chemical sclerant into the problem veins. The larger veins are treated first, followed by the smaller ones. One injection may be required for every inch of vein treated, so speaking with a medical professional regarding the number of injections required is important. Many patients do not require anesthesia during this procedure because the needle used to inject the treatment is so small. The injection process usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, although this may vary.

Because no general anesthetic is required, very no downtime is associated with this procedure. Following treatment, patients may be encouraged to walk to promote blood flow. Compression stockings may be required in the days following treatment to aid in healing and to promote blood flow as well. Strenuous activity should be avoided in the days following treatment. The physician performing the procedure will provide specific recovery instructions that patients should be adhere to.

Spider veins do not cause pain and treatment of spider veins is often not considered a medical necessity. Many insurance companies consider the treatment of spider veins a cosmetic procedure and may not cover procedures such as sclerotherapy. Patients experiencing negative symptoms associated with their condition should speak with their physician and their insurance carrier to determine if this procedure may be covered.

Any further information about sclerotherapy, spider veins or varicose veins should be directed toward a medical professional at a reputable vein treatment clinic in the Tucson area. Patients may be encouraged to explore other options as well and should speak with their physician regarding all of their options.

Learn more about Sclerotherapy in Tucson, Arizona.