Sclerotherapy Treatments
For decades, sclerotherapy has been used to treat vein malformations, such as spider veins and some small varicose veins. Most people who undergo the treatment do so because they are bothered by visible red or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Some may wish to wear shorts or swimwear that bares the legs without feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Others may desire relief from swelling or achiness that often occurs in association with damaged blood vessels.
Sclerotherapy does not require incisions or invasive treatment, but rather the injection of a medicated solution into an affected vein using a very fine needle. The medication causes irritation within the vein walls, which swell and stick together. They eventually collapse, and the veins gradually fade from view. Sclerotherapy is performed from the comfort of a doctor’s office and typically takes less than 1 hour to administer depending on the size of the treatment area.
What to Expect After Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
Most people respond well to treatment, and many require only one session to achieve desirable results. Between 50 and 80 percent of treated spider veins will collapse and disappear after sclerotherapy – usually within just 3 to 6 weeks. Varicose veins treated with sclerotherapy take a little longer to respond to treatment, with results appearing in approximately 3 to 4 months.
Patients who receive these injections are typically able to return to normal activity immediately after the procedure, though it may be necessary to wear compression garments for a few weeks post-treatment. It may also be necessary for patients to return for a follow-up evaluation with a physician a few days or weeks after treatment.
Visit our office for a consultation, whether you live in Montebello, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Downey, West Los Angeles, or surrounding areas. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions about sclerotherapy.
Spanish: Escleroterapia