Sclerotherapy for Veins: What to Know

by | Jul 24, 2018 | Health

Spider veins are unsightly that often develop on one’s legs. While these aren’t life-threatening, they could turn into bigger varicose veins. The swollen and enlarged veins can lead to discomfort and pain for you, affecting your mobility.

Good thing there are plenty of treatment options available. One such treatment is sclerotherapy for spider veins.

What is sclerotherapy?

This mildly invasive process involves the injection of a solution into the affected veins, the Healthline explains. The solution will cause the veins to shrink and disappear. The treatment can eliminate about 50 to even 80 percent of the affected veins after a single session. With sclerotherapy for spider veins, you can expect fast and effective results.

How to prepare?

If you are pregnant or taking any herbal supplements or medication for allergies, let your surgeon or doctor know. Your doctor will likely advise you to stop taking anything before the procedure. Your doctor will also provide you with a list of instructions that will include not putting any lotion on your legs before or after the procedure, wearing comfortable and loose-fitting clothes for the treatment and more. Make sure you follow each one.

What else can I expect?

You may experience a cramping sensation when the solution is injected, but that feeling shouldn’t last long. You may also need to wear compression hosiery after the procedure. As for side-effects, lumps may appear in areas where the larger varicose veins were injected and dissolved. Give those lumps a few months to disappear. If they don’t, inform your doctor. Some brown lines or spots may appear at the injection sites too, but these should be gone in the next 3 to 6 months. Expect a bit of bruising as well.

Know more about the procedure by talking to your doctor. Ask about the risks and benefits, so you know what you’re saying yes to.

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