Preparing for Sclerotherapy Treatment

Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular procedures that are used to treat varicose and spider veins. If you’ve been living with the appearance and symptoms of varicose or spider veins, sclerotherapy might be the right treatment for you.

Although sclerotherapy was first introduced in the U.S. about a century ago, it remains one of today’s most popular, approved treatment options for spider veins. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the appropriate veins with a special chemical solution which destroys the veins then makes them collapse and disappear.

While the treatment is quick and nearly painless, understanding the procedure and any specific preparation instructions might help avoid undesired stress on the day of the procedure, and during the recovery process.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatment options when it comes to dealing with varicose and spider veins. It is basically based on injecting the damaged vein directly with a solution that irritates the lining of the vein, making it collapse and then the lining adheres together, closing the vein. Eventually, the damaged vein becomes scarred and vanishes while the blood will then be redirected to a healthier vein.

Benefits of sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard of treatment for varicose and spider veins. If compared to traditional procedures which are more highly invasive, requiring a long recovery, and having lower success rates, sclerotherapy has many benefits which include:

High success rates
It is minimally invasive requiring neither hospitalization nor general anesthesia
It has only temporary side effects
Preparation for the procedure is very simple
You experience little pain or discomfort
The procedure lasts less than an hour
You can resume daily routines the same or the following day

Am I a candidate for sclerotherapy?

While sclerotherapy is feasible for a wide range of patients, it might not be recommended for those who are:

Pregnant (It is advisable to wait at least 6 months after delivery).
Have any history of vein inflammation, blood clots, diabetes, or vascular problems
Have a dialysis shunt
Have any history of significant trauma

You should always have a consultation with your vein specialist before considering any treatment option for your spider or varicose veins.

Getting ready for sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is one of the safest and most convenient outpatient procedures available. It’s minimally invasive, has extremely short recovery period, and provides the absolute best results for eliminating spider and varicose veins. With a little bit of preparation, your procedure would go even more smoothly.

It is advisable to have an examination before undergoing a Sclerotherapy. Your physician would order tests to determine which specific veins might require treatment. In addition, an examination would provide more awareness about your past and current medical history that might help the physician make his decision.

It’s essential to understand how to care for your body before the procedure. Preparation only requires a few simple steps:

Let your doctor know about any medical conditions you might have, and that includes any past history of vein problems or if you are currently pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you had spider or varicose veins treated in the past.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, especially birth control pills or estrogen
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for at least seven days prior to the procedure.
Avoid alcohol and smoking two days before the procedure as it might delay the healing process.
Avoid shaving or applying lotions or creams to your legs on the day of your procedure.
Try to avoid hot baths, direct sunlight exposure, whirlpools, saunas, and hot compresses for at least two days prior to the procedure.
Take a shower and wash your legs with anti-bacterial soap the morning of the procedure.
Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
Eat a meal or snack and stay hydrated before the procedure.
Bring compression stockings with you the day of your procedure if you already have them.
Let your doctor know if you are anxious about the procedure. You may be prescribed a mild sedative if necessary.

Sclerotherapy in Kansas City, MO

Searching for sclerotherapy treatment near you? Look no further. Our very own Dr. Scott Darling at Missouri Vein Specialists is a board-certified vein specialist who can perform a comprehensive assessment of your condition and set an effective treatment plan. If you are a good candidate for this procedure, rest assured that you will be in great hands.

To schedule an appointment, contact us at (816) 792-3400 or request an online appointment.