When is Foam Sclerotherapy Right for You?

Venous conditions such as varicose veins and spider veins are problematic for individuals in Jacksonville, Florida and throughout the country. Not only do they often lead to embarrassment and self-consciousness due to their unsightly appearance, but varicose veins may even cause pain and heaviness in the legs of some patients. Finding a way to overcome these conditions is often very important to those suffering from them. Minimally-invasive and non-invasive treatments are available that have proven successful in the treatment of these conditions, but with several available, deciding which is right for you may be a bit of a challenge, especially without much experience in considering venous treatments and procedures.

Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure that has helped many individuals in Jacksonville and around the country overcome spider veins and small varicose veins. Before receiving treatment with this procedure, though, patients should consult a vein specialist in their area to ensure that foam sclerotherapy is right for them. Individuals who are suffering from medium sized or large varicose veins may be encouraged to explore other treatment options such as endovenous laser ablation or VNUS.

Individuals who are suffering from certain blood or cardiovascular disorders may not be considered candidates for this treatment either, and women who are pregnant should not undergo foam sclerotherapy. Once it is determined that the patient is a good candidate for treatment, they may begin to explore the treatment, its recovery period and possible side effects with a vein specialist in the Jacksonville area.

The procedure involves injections of a chemical sclerant, which irritates the vessel lining, causing the vein to collapse, shrink and eventually disappear entirely. The procedure typically does not cause pain as the needle used to make the injections is so small, but some may prefer a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. There is no downtime or recovery period required in most cases and most individuals are able to return to work or resume other daily activities immediately following treatment. If leg veins are treated, a compression stocking may be worn for a day or two to help aid in the healing process.

In many cases, just one session of foam sclerotherapy is required to reach optimal results, although some patients may require multiple treatments. It has been reported that foam sclerotherapy may be associated with a risk of microembolisms, which are tiny blood clots that may form in the treatment area. Itching, redness and bruising may also occur around the treatment area, but these should subside within a couple of days. Individuals are encouraged to discuss possible side effects with a vein specialist in the area prior to undergoing this or other procedures to ensure they fully understand all that is involved.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Jacksonville, Florida.