How Foam Sclerotherapy Relieves Small Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

In the Lake Success, New York area, many patients have turned to foam sclerotherapy to get rid of spider veins and small varicose veins. Those with large varicose veins may not enjoy the same level of success in relieving this condition through foam sclerotherapy, and may be encouraged to explore other options such as endovenous laser ablation. These conditions may be very embarrassing for some patients due to their unappealing appearance, leading many to seek effective treatments to find relief.

The sclerant used in foam sclerotherapy is a foam consistency instead of the usual liquid formulation used in many treatments. This allows the treatment to displace more blood than liquid formations, giving the treatment greater direct contact with the vessel wall. The foam consistency is also easier to view on ultrasound, allowing the vein specialist performing the procedure to track the treatment with greater ease.

To perform this procedure, the area is first cleansed and a numbing agent applied. Once the area is numb, injections are made in the problem veins. Generally, one injection is required for every inch of vein being treated. Ultrasound technology is used to verify the placement of injections. The chemical sclerant irritates the vessel wall, causing it to collapse, shrink and eventually disappear entirely. Treatment usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes in most cases.

There is minimal discomfort associated with this procedure, and some report a stinging sensation during the injection and immediately afterwards. Patients are usually able to return to work or resume other normal daily activities immediately after treatment. If veins in the legs are treated, patients may be required to wear compression stockings for a couple of days to aid in healing and to promote healthy blood flow. There is a risk of microembolisms, which are tiny blood clots, associated with foam sclerotherapy. Patients should discuss this risk with a vein specialist for more information.

Most patients will be pleased with their results following just one session of foam sclerotherapy. In some cases, however, multiple treatments may be required to reach optimal results. As this is typically used as a cosmetic procedure, insurance carriers generally do not cover foam sclerotherapy. However, if foam sclerotherapy is used as a treatment regiment to relieve larger varicose veins, it may be covered. Talk to your insurance carrier and the doctor to determine if the procedure will be covered.

A trained vein specialist in the Lake Success area is usually the best resource for further information regarding varicose veins, spider veins, foam sclerotherapy and other treatments. Contact a licensed professional in the area for further information.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Lake Success, New York.