Sclerotherapy Eliminates Spider Veins and Small Varicose Veins

Those seeking treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins in Bedford, Texas and across the country have found success through sclerotherapy. Spider veins, while not painful, may be of a major concern for some patients. These are primarily a cosmetic concern due to their unappealing appearance. It is important that patients speak with their physcian to determine if they have spider veins or varicose veins. Patients suffering from varicose veins may be advised to seek other treatments, although sclerotherapy has been used to treat smaller varicose veins.

To perform this treatment, a physician will first sterilize the area to be treated. Once the area has been sterilized a sclerant, a chemical that irritates the vessel's lining, is injected into the veins. The larger problem veins are targeted first followed by the smaller ones. One injection may be used for every inch of vein treated. Anesthesia is not required for this procedure, as the injection is so small and patients often feel only minimal pain. Patients may feel a slight stinging or burning senstation following the injections, although this is often short-lived. Sclerotherapy may take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete. A bandage is applied following treatment and the physician may recommend that compression stockings be worn for a few days after treatment.

The chemical sclerant used works by irritating the vessel lining, which causes it to become inflamed, harden and then fade away completely. Healthy veins deeper within the body will then take over the blood circulation. The outward appearance is then relieved once the vein fades away and any pain associated with small varicose veins or spider veins is often relieved as well. Patients who would like to know more about this procedure and how it works should speak with a medical professional well-versed and experienced in this procedure.

Possible side effects associated with sclerotherapy include minor itching and burning immediately following treatment. In some rare cases, patients have had allergic reactions, infection at the injection site and complications resulting from poor injection technique. These possible side effects may be reduced by choosing a repuable vein treatment clinic in the Bedford area, as well as a highly trained and skilled physician. Patients are often encouraged to walk frequenly following sclerotherapy. This often helps to encourage healthy circulation in the legs. Patients should avoid any strenuous activity in the few days following treatment, however. For more recovery tips, patients are advised to speak with a medical professional.

Interested patients should speak with a physician to determine their candidacy for sclerotherapy. Almost anybody suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins may be considered a candidate for this procedure. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo sclerotherapy. Patients with skin infections, diabetes that is uncontrolled, a history of deep vein thrombosis and patients taking anticoagulants or corticosteroids should also avoid sclerotherapy.
There are several techniques used for performing sclerotherapy. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, ultrasound guided sclerofoam and foam sclerotherapy are examples. Patients interested in sclerotherapy may benefit from speaking with their physician regarding these techniques as well.

Learn more about sclerotherapy in Bedford, Texas.