Minimally-Invasive Sclerotherapy and Its Advantages

Spider veins and small varicose veins are often embarrassing conditions for many individuals in Knoxville, Tennessee and other parts of the country. Fortunately, through sclerotherapy these conditions may be treated and the embarrassing appearance of these venous problems may be eliminated thanks to this treatment. This is a minimally-invasive treatment that may be performed in about 15 to 30 minutes in the comfort of a doctor's office or vein treatment facility. Those suffering from these conditions are encouraged to seek the consultation of a vein specialist in the Knoxville area to discuss their options and whether sclerotherapy is right for them.

While sclerotherapy may be an option for the treatment of spider veins or small varicose veins, those with medium to large varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other treatment options such as laser procedures. To determine if you're suffering from varicose veins or spider veins, seek consultation with a vein specialist. Once a diagnosis has been made, you may begin considering sclerotherapy and other options to get rid of these problem veins.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves the injection of a chemical sclerant directly into the problem veins. The chemical sclerant irritates the vessel lining, causing the vein to collapse, shrink and eventually disappear entirely. The treatment area is first sterilized and the injections are made into the larger veins first, followed by the smaller ones. Ultrasound may be used to monitor the progress of the treatment. About one injection is required for every inch of vein being treated.

Most patients do not require an anesthetic for this procedure, as the injections are so small, although a topical or local anesthetic may be provided to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Speak with a vein specialist in the Knoxville area for more information about anesthetics during this treatment. There may be a minor stinging or burning sensation during and right after the injections, but this is short-lived.

A treatment is applied after the procedure and the vein specialist may recommend the patient use compression stockings for a few days to aid in the healing process and to promote healthy blood flow. As this is a minimally-invasive treatment and a general anesthetic is not required, most patients are able to return to work and resume other normal daily activities immediately after sclerotherapy. Patients are encouraged to follow the recovery instructions given to them by the vein specialist, however.

There are very few side effects associated with sclerotherapy, as this is a minimally-invasive treatment. Minor itching and burning immediately after treatment is normal and should go away rather quickly. Rare cases may involve allergic reactions, infection at the injection site and complications that are associated with a poor injection technique. For this reason, patients are encouraged to seek treatment with a trained and experienced vein specialist.

Insurance may not cover this procedure if it is used for cosmetic purposes, although when used to treat varicose veins that are of a medical concern, it may be covered. Speak with your doctor and your insurance company for more information and to determine if sclerotherapy will be covered. The cost of this procedure varies from one clinic to the next and depending on the geographic location of the patient. Consult a vein specialist in the Knoxville area for more specific pricing information.

Learn more about sclerotherapy in Knoxville, Tennessee. .