In addition to treating spider veins, sclerotherapy may be successful in treating small varicose veins as well. Patients in Houston, Texas?and across the nation for that matter?have found relief through this treatment. While spider veins do not cause any pain, they can be very embarrassing and a nuisance to those afflicted with the condition. Patients who do experience pain with spider veins should speak to a medical professional, as it may be likely that they are suffering from small varicose veins. In this case, patients should consult with a vein specialist to determine if sclerotherapy is an option, or if some other treatment may provide better results.
Determining that you are suffering from spider veins is a visual process. Spider veins are tiny blood vessels that appear in various patterns on the leg. They get their name because in many cases they resemble a spider?there may be a dark central point with several veins emanating from it. They may appear blue, purple or red and may be dark or light. Patients who believe they are suffering from spider veins should speak to a vein specialist to discuss their options and to make sure that the condition is not varicose veins instead.
Sclerotherapy works by injecting the problem veins with a chemical called sclerant. This chemical irritates the vessel lining, making it become inflamed. The vein then hardens before fading away completely. Blood circulation that flowed through these veins will then flow in other, healthy veins below the skin.
The area to be treated is sterilized before the injections are administered. One injection may be required for every inch of vein treated. It may take 15 to 30 minutes to complete the entire procedure, but this may vary. There may be minor pain during the procedure because of the injections, but this typically does not require an anesthetic. Also, some patients may experience a slight burning or stinging sensation during or right after treatment. This sensation is fleeting, however, and should go away shortly after the procedure.
Mild bruising, itching and/or swelling may be common around the injection site, but these side effects are not common and are often short lived. Over-the-counter medication should take care of any minor pain or discomfort that patients feel following sclerotherapy. The use of compression stockings may be encouraged by a vein specialist for a few days following treatment.
More serious side effects may include allergic reaction or infection around the injection site. Other complications resulting from a poor injection technique may also be possible if the technician is not properly trained or is unskilled. For this reason, patients seeking sclerotherapy or any treatment for spider veins or varicose veins are advised to receive treatment in a reputable clinic in the Houston area.
Patients should speak to a medical professional in the field for more information. An outpatient clinic that provides treatment for venous conditions such as spider veins or a doctor's office are ideal environments for which to receive sclerotherapy. As it is a minimally invasive procedure and no anesthesia is required, an overnight stay in the hospital is not necessary.