How Foam Sclerotherapy Works to Get Rid of Spider Veins

Spider veins may not cause the pain and heaviness that varicose veins may, but for individuals suffering from these cosmetic nightmares in Longmont, Colorado and other parts of the country, treating them may be just as important. Because of their unsightly appearance, spider veins are often a cosmetic concern for individuals who experience them. Foam sclerotherapy is a procedure that has successfully treated spider veins, alleviating the embarrassment or self-consciousness that many experience because of the venous condition.

Foam sclerotherapy is intended to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. It is important to discuss your condition with a medical professional in the Longmont area before receiving treatment with foam sclerotherapy to determine if you are suffering from spider veins or varicose veins. Individuals suffering from larger varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other methods of treatment such as ambulatory phlebectomy.

Because they are for the most part considered a cosmetic concern, treatment for spider veins is typically not covered by insurance companies. Foam sclerotherapy, therefore, is typically not covered unless used to treat varicose veins that are of a cosmetic concern. For clarification and to best determine if your insurance will cover this procedure, consult a vein specialist in the Longmont area as well as your insurance company.

Foam sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical sclerant that irritates the vessel lining, causing the vein to collapse and disappear. Ultrasound technology is used to monitor and guide to treatment so that the problem veins are treated. With the spider veins destroyed, blood flow will be carried out by other veins in the area. Patients are able to return to work immediately following treatment, although they may be advised to wear compression stockings to aid in the healing process.

There is a higher risk of microembolisms associated with foam sclerotherapy, which are tiny blood clots in the treatment area. Speak with your doctor regarding this possible risk for more information and to help determine if foam sclerotherapy is right for you. Itching, redness and bruising may be present, but should resolve within a few days.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from other sclerotherapy treatments in the consistency of the chemical sclerant that is injected into the problem veins. In traditional sclerotherapy procedures, a liquid formulation is used, while in foam sclerotherapy procedures, a foam formulation is used. The foam formulation has a few distinct advantages over the liquid formulation. For one, it is easier to monitor and view on ultrasound. It is also more effective in displacing blood in the vein, allowing for greater contact with the vessel wall. To help determine which treatment is right for you, consult a vein specialist in the Longmont community.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Longmont, Colorado. .