Foam Sclerotherapy and Spider Veins

Spider veins and small varicose veins are considered troubling by many individuals in Provo, Utah or other parts of the country. Spider veins may not cause the pain and heaviness often associated with varicose veins, but they may be just as embarrassing due to the unsightly appearance of the condition. Fortunately, patients who are suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins may find relief through foam sclerotherapy, an injectable treatment that works to irritate the vessel lining to collapse the problem veins so they disappear.

Those who are suffering from medium or large varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other means of treatment, as foam sclerotherapy may not be an effective way to treat these conditions. Before receiving any treatment, patients are encouraged to consult a medical professional in the Provo area to ensure that the treatment is right for them. Individuals who are suffering from certain blood or cardiovascular problems may not be considered candidates for this treatment. Moreover, women who are pregnant should not receive treatment using foam sclerotherapy.

The procedure is minimally-invasive and does not require a significant recovery period afterwards. Most patients are able to immediately resume daily activities or return to work following treatment. If the legs are treated, patients may be encouraged to wear compression stockings to aid in the healing process. It is important that patients consult a medical professional in their area to discuss their recovery and are strongly encouraged to follow the recovery plan or guidelines given to them by their doctor.

Most patients are satisfied with the results after just one treatment session of foam sclerotherapy, although some may require subsequent treatment sessions to achieve desired results. Patients may notice a visible improvement right after the procedure is performed, although this varies. To perform this procedure, patients may receive a topical anesthetic to numb the area being treated for patient comfort. With the area numb, the injections are made and ultrasound technology is used to ensure the proper placement and effective spreading of the treatment. Some patients may require more than just one injection depending on the size of the treatment area. About 30 to 45 minutes may be required to complete this procedure.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from traditional sclerotherapy in that the chemical sclerant used in treatment is a foam formulation instead of the traditional liquid formulation. The foam formulation has a few distinct advantages. For instance, with the foam formulation, the treatment is easier to view using ultrasound. The foam formulation is also more effective in displacing blood in the vein, allowing for greater contact with the vessel wall.

Possible risks associated with this procedure may include a higher risk of microembolisms, which are tiny blood clots in the treatment area. Bruising, itching and redness may also be present in the treatment area, but should go away on its own within a couple of days of the procedure. If this procedure is used to treat larger veins, the procedure may be covered by insurance, but in most cases when used as a cosmetic treatment, insurance will not cover the cost of the procedure. Each session may range in price from about $200 to $500, although this may vary depending on the extent of the treatment area and which clinic is chosen to receive treatment.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Provo, Utah.