Individuals in the Trevose, Pennsylvania area as well as in other parts of the country who are interested in finding relief from spider veins or small varicose veins may find sclerotherapy a great treatment for such a job. Sclerotherapy utilizes a chemical sclerant that irritates the vessel lining of the vein, causing it to shrink and collapse, eventually disappearing entirely. Circulation in the area is then carried out through the healthy veins that are deeper in the body, and are not harmed by the treatment. This helps to get rid of the unsightly appearance of the veins with this condition.
Before undergoing treatment with sclerotherapy or any treatment for spider veins or varicose veins, patients should consult a vein specialist in Trevose to help them determine their candidacy for the procedure. Most patients with spider veins or small varicose veins are considered candidates for sclerotherapy. However, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be considered candidates for the treatment. What's more, individuals with skin infections, diabetes that is not controlled, a history of deep venous thrombosis and those currently on anticoagulants or corticosteroids are not considered candidates, either. A consultation with a vein specialist will help to determine the candidacy of the patient given his or her specific medical history.
The treatment area is first sterilized before the procedure begins, and the specialist will inject the sclerosant into the larger veins first, and then into the smaller veins. The progress of the chemical is monitored throughout the process using ultrasound technology. About one injection is needed for every inch of vein being treated. With the needle so small, patients usually do not feel pain during this procedure and typically do not require anesthesia. About 15 to 30 minutes is typically required to complete the treatment process, and a minor stinging or burning sensation may be present during and right after the procedure. This is short-lived, however.
A bandage is applied to the treatment area following the procedure, and many specialists recommend that patients use compression stockings for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medication may be used to manage any discomfort that the patient feels after the procedure, and compression stockings or bandages may be helpful in alleviating the discomfort as well. Patients may experience some minor bruising, itching and swelling at the treatment site, but this may be short in duration. Rarely, allergic reactions, infection and complications that are associated with poor injection technique may occur. Seeing an experienced, skilled specialist in the Trevose area may help to reduce these risks, however.
Patients are usually encouraged to walk following treatment to provide for circulation after the treatment. Strenuous activities should be avoided for the days following treatment, however, most patients are able to return to work immediately following the procedure. This recovery process is something that patients should discuss with a vein specialist in the area.
Insurance typically does not cover the cost of sclerotherapy, as it is usually considered a cosmetic treatment to treat spider veins that are not considered a medical concern. However, if used as part of a treatment regimen for larger varicose veins that cause pain and heaviness, insurance may cover the cost of treatment. This is something to discuss further with the vein specialist as well as the insurance company.
Learn more about sclerotherapy in Trevose, Pennsylvania.
