Sclerotherapy is a form of treatment for both spider veins and average-sized varicose veins. This treatment uses a chemical injected into the troublesome veins to cause the blood to coagulate, inflamation to set in, and the vein to eventually collapse so that the blood supply is rerouted to healthier veins. One variation of sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, suspends the chemical in foam to provide greater adhesion to the vein walls.
Depending on the number of veins to be treated, a sclerotherapy session usually takes less than 30 minutes. After the procedure, the treatment site is wrapped in a bandage which applies pressure to control any bleeding and promote healing. Once treated with sclerotherapy, varicose veins do not come back.
Sclerotherapy is done on an outpatient basis and is only mildly painful. Other than the sting of the injection, some patients report some light cramping during the injection of the solution, but this quickly passes. Although all procedures have some risks, sclerotherapy has very few. Light bruising sometimes occurs around the affected area, and some patients have reported that freckling developed temporarily in the treatment area, but these both usually disappear within weeks.
With sclerotherapy, some patients may require several injection sessions for optimal results, but these are scheduled about a month apart. After finishing the treatment, the pain and unsightly appearance of the damaged veins are greatly improved. Patients report significantly smoother skin and little discoloration. Because these results are achieved without hospitalization or general anesthesia, sclerotherapy is a better choice than surgery for many patients. Patients also find recovery time is much shorter with sclerotherapy, and they are usually able to return to work within days.
About The Vein CenterThe Vein Center is a full service facility offering treatment for patient covering the entire range of vein problems, from cosmetic spider vein services to treatment of intractable venous ulcerations. We take pride on offering the most comprehensive evaluation and treatment options in Arkansas. Our office is conveniently located in Little Rock adjacent to the Embassy Suites and our ground floor entry means easy access for all of our patients. We have a dedicated professional staff including a full time Registered vascular technologist (RVT), two interventional technologists, a physical therapist and Dr. Long who is an Interventional Radiologist who also holds additional qualifications as a RVT as well. We focus on offering minimally invasive techniques with an emphasis on thorough evaluation and complete treatment of all venous abnormalities observed which results in more effective control of symptoms with minimal discomfort. Our clinic was designed specifically with the needs of our patients in mind; the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing while remaining a friendly and warm setting. We accept most insurance plans and work with our patients to meet insurance requirements.
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