Who Should Get Sclerotherapy

Do you have unpleasant veins on your legs that prevent you from wearing shorts and bathing suits? These web-like veins are a sign that you may have spider veins or varicose veins. These unsightly vein abnormalities can affect your self-image and confidence and may cause discomfort. Previously, surgery was the only procedure available to people with varicose veins.

Today, a variety of minimally invasive treatments are available to treat this condition, with sclerotherapy being one of the best ones. Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure that is used to remove unsightly varicose and spider veins on your legs, with impressive results. It is a safe procedure that causes diseased veins to shut down and forces blood to move through healthier veins.

What is Sclerotherapy Used for?

During sclerotherapy, a physician injects the affected vein with a solution that irritates the lining, causing it to swell and close. With time, the vein fades away. According to the severity of the problem, it may take several sessions to get the desired results. Sclerotherapy is considered an outpatient procedure that is performed in a clinic and usually takes between 30-45 minutes to complete. Doctors may use sclerotherapy to treat issues, such as:

Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy is one of the first options when it comes to the treatment of varicose veins. Varicose veins can be a sign that you may have chronic venous insufficiency. Sclerotherapy compresses varicose veins until they totally disappear, and blood gets redirected to healthier veins. The main purpose of performing sclerotherapy is to help those with spider or varicose veins reduce symptoms that are associated with these conditions, as well as improve the physical appearance of the affected areas.

Malformed Lymph Vessels

These are abnormal vessels in the lymphatic system. Sclerotherapy causes scarring in the malformed vessels, leading to their collapse.

Hemorrhoids

Doctors may use sclerotherapy to get rid of grade 1 or 2 hemorrhoids that are formed when blood vessels around the rectum swell and get irritated, leading to pain and uncomfortable bowel movements.

Hydroceles

This is a condition in which there is a collection of fluid around a testicle. Doctors may use sclerotherapy in treating hydroceles, particularly if surgery is inappropriate.

Recovery

Sclerotherapy is a quick and virtually painless procedure. After the procedure, most people return to their normal activities on the same day but are advised to walk around to prevent blood clot formation in the legs. Your doctor will also give you some instructions to follow, including:

• Keeping the treated areas away from sun exposure for two weeks after the procedure, as it may lead to pigmentation.
• Wearing compression stockings to keep compression on the treated veins.
• Ensuring you get multiple treatments (as instructed by your doctor) for optimal results.
• A follow-up visit after one month to determine if the procedure has succeeded or not. In most cases, you’ll have to wait six weeks before undergoing another sclerotherapy session.

Ideal Candidates

Most people suffering from varicose or spider veins are good candidates for sclerotherapy, although the procedure is mostly performed on people between 30-60 years of age, and mostly women. Good candidates should also possess realistic expectations, comprehend that the treatment will not prevent new veins from forming, and follow pre-and post-operative instructions precisely.

Despite its benefits, sclerotherapy is not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or bedridden, you may not be eligible for sclerotherapy. You should wait at least 3 months after delivery to consider the procedure. You may also not be eligible for sclerotherapy if you are a smoker, allergic to sclerosing agents, or on anticoagulant therapy. Sclerotherapy can be performed if you are on birth control pills. If you had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will depend on what was the cause, as well as its severity.

Sclerotherapy Treatment in Kansas City & Marshall, MO

If you’re looking for sclerotherapy treatment near you, look no further than Missouri Vein Specialists. Our very own Dr. Scott Darling is a triple-board-certified vein doctor who can perform a thorough assessment of your condition and design an effective treatment plan. If Dr. Darling sees you as a good candidate for this procedure, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.

To make an appointment, contact our clinic at (816) 792-3400 or request an online appointment. We look forward to serving you.