Patients throughout Anchorage, Alaska and in the surrounding communities who are suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins often seek effective ways of getting rid of these venous conditions. Treating spider veins may not be considered a medical necessity, but the embarrassing appearance of the condition often leads patients to seek treatment. Varicose veins, on the other hand, may be very painful and may make the legs feel heavy in addition to the unappealing appearance of the ugly, bulgy veins.
Treatments such as ultrasound guided sclerotherapy have been used to relieve patients of spider veins and small varicose veins safely and effectively. Before choosing any treatment, patients should speak with a vein specialist to determine if they are suffering from spider veins or varicose veins. The specialist's treatment recommendation may differ depending on diagnosis. Those suffering from larger varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other treatments such as ambulatory phlebectomy.
Sclerotherapy is a treatment that utilizes a chemical sclerant to irritate the vessel lining of a problem vein so that it collapses, shrinks and eventually disappears entirely. The treatment area is sterilized and the physician will inject the larger veins first, followed by the smaller veins. One injection may be required for every inch of vein being treated. The physician will use ultrasound technology to verify the placement of the injection and follow its progress. Because the needle used is so small, patients normally do not require a topical anesthetic. Patients may experience a minor stinging or burning sensation during or right after injection, but this is common. The procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes in most cases.
Once the treatment is finished, a bandage will be applied to the treatment area. Many patients are recommended the use of compression stockings to support healthy blood flow and to aid in the healing process. Those experiencing any discomfort following treatment may manage it using over-the-counter pain medication, although patients should discuss any medication with a medical professional.
There are few side effects associated with sclerotherapy, but rare cases of allergic reactions, infection around the injection site and other complications associated with poor injection technique have been reported. For this reason it is important that patients receive treatment from a highly qualified and professional vein specialist at a reputable clinic in the Anchorage area. This often helps to avoid any complications that are avoidable through proper injection technique.
Many patients are encouraged to walk regularly after sclerotherapy, although they should avoid strenuous activity to ensure proper healing. Walking and the use of compression stockings is meant to promote healthy blood flow after treatment.
Patients interested in receiving sclerotherapy treatment on the face or arms are encouraged to discuss this with a medical professional. Up until recently, sclerotherapy was thought only safe to perform on the legs. However, it is currently considered safe to perform sclerotherapy on other areas such as the face, arms and hands.
Patients are also encouraged to discuss their candidacy for this treatment. Most patients with unsightly spider veins or small varicose veins who want to rid themselves of these conditions are considered candidates for sclerotherapy. However, those with skin infections, uncontrolled diabetes, a history of deep vein thrombosis and patients who are taking anticoagulants or corticosteroids are not considered candidates.
For more information about ultrasound guided sclerotherapy or other treatments, patients should consult a medical professional at a reputable clinic treating venous disorders. This is often the very best and most reliable resource for information pertaining to spider veins, varicose veins and procedures used to treat these diseases.
Learn about ultrasound guided sclerotherapy in Anchorage, Alaska.
