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 Northwest Vascular Consultants, Inc.At Northwest Vascular Consultants, Inc. a Portland varicose veins treatment clinic, patients are able to take advantage of the latest medical treatments for varicose and spider veins. Vascular disease is a growing concern throughout America and is linked to a number of factors, some unavoidable and some due to lifestyle factors. Diet, exercise, and personal care are important for everyone and can help to support the body's overall function.
At this Portland varicose veins clinic, Philip T. Alexander, M.D. supports patient well being with a variety of treatments which help to remove problematic veins. Endovenous laser ablation, or laser vein removal, is one option which involves the use of minimally invasive laser technology. Patients choosing to use laser technology may experience a number of considerable benefits including less invasive treatments that allow for shorter treatments and easier recoveries than many formerly used options.
Other procedures performed by
| Compression Stockings in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| ELVeS (Endo Laser Vein System) in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Endovenous Laser Ablation in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Foam Sclerotherapy in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Microphlebectomy in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Radiofrequency Occlusion in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Sclerotherapy in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Ultrasound Guided Sclerofoam in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Varicose Vein Surgery in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| Venous Reflux Exams in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
| VNUS in Portland, Oregon (OR) |
Additional Information on Procedures performed by Northwest Vascular Consultants, Inc.
