Sclerotherapy (Leg Vein Treatment)
Sclerotherapy treats veins non-surgically through microinjections done directly into the vein, which shrinks the blood vessels. The treated veins eventually collapse and are reabsorbed by the body, and blood flow is rerouted naturally into healthy veins. Recovery time is often short and exercising can be done within one or two weeks of treatment. Patients are strongly recommended to wear graded compression stockings directly after the treatment for one to two weeks. Sclerotherapy is a safe, rejuvenating, and time-efficient procedure for patients as it is done in a single session at our conveniently located offices.
The almost twenty years of combined cosmetic, dermatological, and surgical experience of the providers at Skin & Laser Dermatology Center means they have the expertise to determine whether sclerotherapy is the best course of treatment for you and the precision to achieve optimal results. Patients benefit from an in-depth, individualized cosmetic consultation prior to treatment, where our providers evaluate and determine what the best treatment option for your unique situation is. In addition, the availability of over a dozen different lasers and radiofrequency devices in the practice and the expertise of the providers, ensures patients interested in both sclerotherapy and laser rejuvenation will achieve the best results conveniently and safely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sclerotherapy was developed over 75 years ago and is now one of the most prevalent treatments for spider and varicose veins. During treatment, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. Upon injection, the solution replaces the blood in the vein generating irritation and ultimately corrosion to the vessel walls. The body then starts a natural healing process and the vein begins to decompose, shrink, and eventually disappear. Depending on the number of veins being treated in any given session, treatment can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
Improvement will be gradual and noticeable. Many patients experience between significant resolution of the treated vessels. During a consultation, you will be advised as to the required number of treatments needed to achieve your desired results.
In most cases, you will be able to immediately resume regular activities. However, excessive standing or vigorous activities are not advised for at least 1-2 weeks. Following treatment, the affected veins may darken and the area may appear bruised; this is temporary and will fade over time. Support hose or a snug wrapping of the treated area are recommended since applied pressure will help reduce side effects, aid in the healing process, and allow for a more effective treatment. A less common, but significant risk is ulceration, where an open sore or ulcer forms at the injection site. Healing can be slow and may leave a permanent scar. Ask to schedule a consultation to find out if you are a candidate and to have a more detailed and thorough discussion of potential side effects.
The physician or trained staff in our office will determine if you are a candidate for sclerotherapy. During your consultation, a review of your medical history will be used to ascertain the cause and severity of your condition. Depending on the type of problem veins, a combination of different treatment modalities may be suggested.
Several treatments may be required to achieve the optimum result. In some cases, as few as two or three treatments will do.
The physician or medical staff in our office will examine and review the vessels in question. A treatment strategy for eradicating the problem veins will then be decided upon. You may be asked to stand while the veins in question are marked and photographed. The sclerosing agent is then injected into the target veins. Discomfort is minimal and no anesthesia is required.
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Dedicated Team
Skin & Laser Dermatology Center treats patients for all skin care concerns, including skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, sclerotherapy, laser peels, laser hair removal, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and acne treatments.
