Or only Phlebologists? What kind of certification is required?
There is much overlap in who can perform sclerotherapy including dermatologists, surgeons, vascular surgeons, vein specialists and nurses. Currently no specific certification is required. I would recommend someone with extensive experience in sclerotherapy especially a vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Although sclerotherapy may be performed by any type of physician, you will likely experience the best results with someone who is both highly experienced and a specialist in treating venous disease, and in the use of sclerotherapy specifically. Look for someone who is a vein specialist, with years of experience, board certified in phlebology, vascular surgery, or vascular medicine, and one whose practice is devoted to treating veins, as well as one who has multiple treatment options available depending on the patient's underlying issues.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, dermatologists can perform sclerotherapy. The most important issue is experience. Having your sclerotherapy performed at an office that exclusively treats veins is beneficial.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy can be performed by a doctor, nurse, or physicians assistant.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Although many dermatologist perform sclerotherapy often patients need a more thorough evaluation of their vein anatomy and physiology. Very few dermatologists have the training to do that type of evaluation. You will be better off by having a consultation and evaluation done by a Phlebologist who can better determine if your problem is just few spider veins or a more complex venous insufficiency.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes this is a fairly simple procedure and many physicians from many disciplines are trained to do this. No specific certification is required, but training and experience with the procedure is required
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Unwanted veins are not like few pencil marks on paper that can be erased with and eraser, or in case of unwanted vein with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy must be done properly, after sorting out the roots of the problem. I recently saw a patient with large
cluster of spider vein on medical aspect of knee that had not responded to sclerotherapy done by dermatologist and a vascular surgeon. I checked her vein with ultrasound at the office. Interestingly, she had 4 incompetent perforating veins feeding the area of spider veins cluster. I treated the reflux sources, and then her spider veins. It work like a charm.
So when the question is : Can all dermatologists or vascular surgeon do good scleortherapy? The simple answer is: NO. Only the doctor who has proven that he
treatment of vein problems is his interest field, and he/she is up-to-date with modern phlebology techniques, and has vast experience in this field, then YES you can trust that doctor with scleortherapy.
If sclerotherapy is a minor side-job for that doctor, no matter what his specialty is, please stay away for your own sake. Phlebolgoy is a specialty now, with board certification exam. Check you doctor out.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Little regulation on who can perform sclerotherapy but varies from state to state.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes. There are various subspecialties that perform sclerotherapy. The most important question is how much experience do they have.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
They can as could an RN. The question becomes who has more experience. An office like CVD who focuses on Total Vein Care will offer a more comprehensive approach. If you have numerous spider veins, you probably have a more serious condition known as Venous Disease. This can only be diagnosed by doing a complete ultrasound exam.
Published on Jul 11, 2012