Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Are your spider veins or varicose veins getting too troublesome to ignore? If basic remedies, such as leg elevation and using compression stockings, no longer provide effective relief, you may want to discuss sclerotherapy with your vein specialist.
Sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive in-office procedure, is a tried-and-true treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. Read on to learn more about it, specifically how it works and whether you’re a candidate for it.
How Sclerotherapy Helps You Banish Those Unwanted Veins
Once your vein specialist is done cleaning the target area, they will inject an irritant solution into your problematic vein to cause its walls to collapse and seal shut. The vein eventually disappears, while your blood is then redirected to the surrounding unaffected veins.
To ensure precision, your vein specialist will likely perform the procedure under ultrasound guidance.
How to Know If Sclerotherapy is Right for You
To determine your eligibility for sclerotherapy, your vein specialist will perform a complete assessment of your medical history and current health condition as well as a physical exam.
Your vein specialist may deem you eligible for the treatment if you are in good health or you don’t have any of the following circumstances or conditions:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (postpone sclerotherapy until three to six months postpartum)
- Smoking
- Dialysis treatments
- Trauma to your lower extremities
- Certain immune system disorders
- Peripheral arterial disease – a circulatory condition that causes the narrowing of the arteries in your legs and arms, resulting in reduced blood flow in the areas
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein in your leg
Additionally, you should have realistic expectations about the effectiveness of the treatment. It has its limitations and has side effects inherent in any type of medical procedure (e.g., minimal bruising, slight discomfort, swelling, redness, etc.). The side effects should subside within a few weeks. Sclerotherapy may also leave visible traces.
Your vein specialist may recommend that you have up to four treatment sessions (usually four to six weeks apart) to achieve your desired outcome.
Sclerotherapy in Marshall and Liberty, MO
If you are in search of a reliable, board-certified vein specialist within the Marshall or Liberty area in Missouri, visit Dr. Scott Darling here at Missouri Vein Specialists.
Dr. Darling offers the full range of treatment options for spider veins and varicose veins. Whichever he deems suitable for you—whether sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, or microphlebectomy—you can count on him to lead you to the best possible outcome.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Darling today. Contact our friendly staff at (816) 792-3400, or use this secure form to request an appointment. We will be happy to be at your service!
