Foam Sclerotherapy vs. Sclerotherapy

Updated on: August 18, 2014
Florida patients suffering from varicose veins or spider veins must consider all of their options when deciding on a treatment. Multiple treatments exist that have been proven successful by various doctors and patients. Laser treatments help to treat patients without leaving scars, while light therapies may be effective as well. Sclerotherapy injects a solution into the troubled veins so that they may close and blood ceases to flow through them.

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution that irritates the vein wall, causing it to close up. The blood from the troubled vein is diverted to other veins in the legs after the troubled vein is shut. This treatment can be effective in treating both varicose veins and spider veins. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy has been used to help better target the troubled veins. The duplex ultrasound technology locates the troubled veins under the surface that cause the bulging in varicose veins. Follow up ultrasound treatment may be required to determine the success of the treatment and provide further treatment if necessary.

Foam sclerotherapy uses a foamed solution common to the solution used in traditional sclerotherapy. By mixing the solution with air or another type of gas using mechanical pumps, the solution is given greater surface area, making it more successful in thickening the blood vessel wall and sealing off blood flow. The foam solution does not mix with the blood, as is the case of the liquid solution. Instead it actually displaces the blood, which prevents the solution from becoming diluted.

Foam sclerotherapy may be more useful in longer or larger veins. Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy have made the non-surgical treatment of varicose veins possible. Patients who do not wish to undergo surgery and do not want to opt for laser treatment should obtain more information about sclerotherapy. This non-invasive procedure enjoys a good safety record, but patients should always discuss the possible complications of this procedure with their vein specialist or doctor.

The full benefits of sclerotherapy may not be seen until after a few treatments. The full effect of each sclerotherapy treatment may not be seen until about three weeks after treatment, leading many physicians to recommend that patients wait about a month between treatments. Patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida should consult with their physician regarding the number of treatments that may be required for their individual case.

Patients should discuss whether traditional sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy or ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is the best treatment option for them. Ultrasound guided sclerofoam is another option that patients should discuss with their doctor. This utilizes the effects of foam sclerotherapy with the added capabilities of dual ultrasound technology in targeting troubled varicose veins.

Learn more about Foam Sclerotherapy vs. Sclerotherapy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

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