What Advantages Does Foam Sclerotherapy Hold?

Spider veins and varicose veins may be cosmetic nightmares for patients in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and other areas of the country. Spider veins may not cause pain and heaviness like varicose veins, but the cosmetic concern is often just as great. Foam sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins and has been quite successful in doing so. While it may be used for smaller varicose veins, those with larger varicose veins may be encouraged to seek treatment via other procedures.

If you're unsure of whether you're suffering from spider veins or varicose veins or would like to know if your varicose veins are too large to be treated with foam sclerotherapy, simply consult a vein specialist in the Pittsfield area. During your consultation, be sure to also inquire as to the distinct advantages that foam sclerotherapy may hold over traditional sclerotherapy procedures.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from other sclerotherapy procedures in that a foam formulation is used instead of a liquid formulation. The foam formulation is more effective in displacing blood in the vein, which gives it more direct contact with the vessel wall. What's more, the foam formulation is also easier to view using ultrasound technology than is the liquid formulation. Your vein specialist will help you decide which type of sclerotherapy is right for you.

Foam sclerotherapy is performed by injecting the chemical sclerant into the problem veins. This irritates the vessel lining, causing the vein to shrink, collapse and eventually disappear entirely, getting rid of the embarrassing visible veins. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area for patient comfort before making the injections.

Most men and women suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins are considered candidates for this procedure, although patients are always encouraged to discuss their candidacy for certain treatments with a specialist before proceeding with any treatment. Those with certain blood or cardiovascular problems may not be considered candidates and women who are pregnant are not candidates for this treatment.

One of the benefits of foam sclerotherapy is the non-invasive nature of the procedure. There is virtually no recovery time afterwards, as patients are able to return to work or other normal activities right away, although they may be encouraged to wear a compression stocking if veins in the legs are treated. There is a risk of microembolisms associated with this treatment, which are tiny blood clots in the treatment area. Other possible side effects include itching, redness and bruising, but this should resolve within a couple days.

In most cases, foam sclerotherapy is not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. If used to treat varicose veins that are of a medical concern, however, insurance may cover the cost of treatment. To learn more and to help decide if your insurance will cover foam sclerotherapy, consult your doctor as well as your insurance company. Most sessions of foam sclerotherapy cost between $200 and $500, although this may vary depending on the clinic and your geographic location.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. .