How Does Foam Sclerotherapy Relieve Spider Veins?

Spider veins and varicose veins may be a burden on many individuals suffering from these venous conditions in Beaumont, Texas and around the country. Individuals experiencing these conditions may feel embarrassed due to their unsightly appearance, while varicose veins may lead to pain and heaviness in the legs for some individuals. Fortunately, foam sclerotherapy and other venous treatment options are available to help patients overcome these conditions safely and effectively. Before undergoing any treatment, it is important to discuss one's candidacy for treatment with a specialist in the community.

Foam sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins or small varicose veins. Those with larger varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other forms of treatment such as endovenous laser ablation or other options. Those with certain blood or cardiovascular problems may not be considered candidates for this treatment, however, while pregnant women are also not considered candidates for foam sclerotherapy. For more information, patients should seek consultation with a vein specialist in the Beaumont area.

Foam sclerotherapy works by making injections of a foam sclerant that irritates the vessel linings of problem veins so they shrink, collapse and eventually disappear. A topical anesthetic is commonly used to numb the treatment area for patient comfort throughout the treatment. More than one injection may be required depending on the size of the treatment area and most procedures take somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes.

Recovery from foam sclerotherapy is often simple and straightforward. Most patients may resume normal activities or return to work right after treatment. If veins in the legs are treated, patients may be encouraged to wear compression stockings to aid in the healing process. Those undergoing this or other treatments should follow the recovery advice and guidelines given to them by the specialist performing the treatment.

Results from foam sclerotherapy may appear after just one treatment, although some may require subsequent treatments to reach optimal results. There is a higher risk of microembolisms associated with foam sclerotherapy. These are tiny blood clots that may form in the treatment area. Itching, redness and bruising may also be present following foam sclerotherapy, although these side effects should subside after a day or two.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from traditional sclerotherapy in the consistency of the sclerant used. Instead of the liquid formulation used with traditional sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy utilizes a foam formulation with a consistency similar to that of shaving cream. This has a few distinct advantages over the traditional consistency. For one, it is easier to view on ultrasound, making it easier to track its progress. The foam formulation is also more effective in displacing blood in the vein, allowing for a greater contact with the vessel wall.

Foam sclerotherapy may be considered a cosmetic procedure in most cases, meaning it is not likely to be covered by insurance. However, in cases in which larger varicose veins are involved, the procedure may be covered. It is important to speak with a specialist in the Beaumont area as well as one's insurance company to help determine if the procedure will be covered by insurance. Each session of foam sclerotherapy may cost between $200 and $500 depending on the extent of the treatment area as well as the clinic at which the patient chooses to receive treatment.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Beaumont, Texas.