Foam Sclerotherapy Eliminates Spider Veins

Updated on: August 18, 2014

Patients in Verona, New Jersey who are suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins are encouraged to inquire about foam sclerotherapy as a means of relieving these conditions. Spider veins may not be painful or cause discomfort in the legs like varicose veins, but may be just as embarrassing due to the unappealing appearance of the condition. Spider veins often have a central point with veins jutting out from the center, in some cases resembling a spider. They may also take other shapes, but they are almost always embarrassing and unwanted.

The first step in obtaining effective relief is to determine if the condition is spider veins or varicose veins. Depending on the diagnosis, the physician may recommend completely different treatments. Patients who are suffering from large varicose may be recommended one treatment, while patients suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins may be encouraged to undergo foam sclerotherapy. Interested patients are encouraged to discuss the matter with a medical professional.

Foam sclerotherapy is a method of sclerotherapy that utilizes a foam formulation instead of a liquid formulation used in traditional sclerotherapy techniques. The chemical sclerant, foam or liquid, irritates the vessel lining, causing the vein to collapse, shrink and eventually disappear entirely. One of the advantages of using a foam formulation instead of the liquid one is that the foam formulation comes into direct contact with more of the vessel lining. The foam consistency is also thicker and displaces blood in the vein more effectively so that the treatment may be more efficient. The foam formulation is also easier to follow on ultrasound, making placing and tracking the treatment more effective.

Patients are encouraged to discuss the different methods of sclerotherapy with a medical professional. They should discuss the pros and cons of each to determine which method may provide the best results for each individual patient. In performing the procedure, the physician will first numb the area being treated using a topical anesthetic. Once the area is numb, the physician will inject the foam sclerant into the vein, using ultrasound to follow the treatment and to place it in the appropriate veins. Each treatment is performed in about 30 to 45 minutes.

Following treatment, most patients are able to return to work and resume other normal daily activities immediately. Patients may be encouraged to avoid standing for prolonged periods and should avoid strenuous activities. Compression stockings may be prescribed to be worn for a few days after treatment to aid in healing and to promote healthy blood flow.

There may be a small risk of microembolisms associated with foam sclerotherapy. Patients are always encouraged to discuss risks and complications with a medical professional before undergoing any procedure. Patients should discuss their candidacy for sclerotherapy with a qualified professional to avoid complications as much as possible. For more information about spider veins, varicose veins or venous treatments such as foam sclerotherapy, patients should contact a medical professional at a reputable clinic in the Verona area.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Verona, New Jersey.

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