Effective Relief from Varicose Veins and Spider Veins: Foam Sclerotherapy

Individuals throughout the Santa Fe, New Mexico area suffering from spider veins and varicose veins have found relief from these venous conditions through foam sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injections of a chemical sclerant that irritates the vessel lining, causing the vein wall to collapse and shrink, eventually disappearing entirely. The procedure is non-invasive and patients are typically allowed to return home immediately after the procedure, as no recovery is necessary. This is among the most attractive benefits of this procedure, as other procedures may require some length of recovery period.

The procedure begins with the application of a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area and provide patient comfort throughout the procedure. The specialist performing the procedure then injects the sclerosing foam and ultrasound technology is used to ensure that it spreads throughout the treatment area. It may be necessary to use more than one injection depending on the size of the treatment area. Each session of foam sclerotherapy typically lasts for 30 to 45 minutes, although this may vary as well.

Before receiving this or any treatment, individuals should speak with a Santa Fe vein specialist to help determine their candidacy for the procedure. Individuals with varicose veins or spider veins may be considered candidates for foam sclerotherapy. Those with larger varicose veins, however, may be encouraged to seek other forms of treatment, as foam sclerotherapy is typically used to treat spider veins or smaller varicose veins. Those with certain blood or cardiovascular problems may not be considered good candidates for this procedure, while women who are pregnant should avoid this procedure.

Foam sclerotherapy, as mentioned, does not require an extensive recovery period. Most individuals may return to work or resume other normal activities immediately following treatment. Those who have had leg veins treated may be required to wear compression stockings for a couple of days after the treatment to aid in the healing process. For most, only one session of foam sclerotherapy is necessary to reach desired results. Results should begin to appear shortly after treatment, but subsequent treatments may be necessary in some cases.

This procedure has been associated with a higher risk of microembolisms, which are tiny blood clots that may form in the treatment area. Other possible risks and complications include itching, redness and bruising, although these should resolve within a couple of days of the treatment. Those interested in foam sclerotherapy should consult a vein specialist in the Santa Fe area to discuss potential complications and risks in greater detail.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from traditional sclerotherapy procedures in that a foam formulation is used rather than a liquid formulation. The foam formulation has a few advantages over the liquid formulation that patients should discuss with a vein specialist. For one, the foam formulation is more easily identified using ultrasound. It is also more effective in displacing blood within the vein, allowing for greater contact with the vessel lining.

Most sessions of sclerotherapy runs between $200 and $500, although this can vary depending on the treatment area. Insurance companies typically will not cover the procedure as it is usually considered a cosmetic treatment. However, if larger veins are treated, the procedure may be covered. It is important to discuss this with a vein specialist as well as one's insurance company.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Santa Fe, New Mexico.