What to Expect with Sclerotherapy?
If you have spider veins or varicose veins and basic home remedies like using compression stockings have failed to provide you effective relief, your doctor may have recommended sclerotherapy after a thorough evaluation.
Sclerotherapy is a “gold standard” treatment for vein problems like spider veins and varicose veins. This FDA-approved treatment is often done for cosmetic purposes, but it can also relieve symptoms of varicose veins such as aching, burning, swelling, and night cramps.
Let’s talk about what happens before the procedure, what the sclerotherapy procedure entails, what you can expect after it, and where you can go in Kansas City for outstanding sclerotherapy.
What Happens Before the Procedure?
Before sclerotherapy, your vein doctor thoroughly evaluates your veins and determines if you have any underlying blood vessel disease. Your candidacy for the sclerotherapy procedure is also determined.
Before your procedure, you must inform your doctor of any past treatment you’ve had for your spider or varicose veins. You must also tell your doctor about the medications like estrogen, birth control pills, or antibiotics you’re taking, as your doctor may advise you to stop taking them. Also, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen about seven days before the procedure.
What Sclerotherapy Procedure Entails?
Sclerotherapy is performed in your vein doctor’s office and takes anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes. Sometimes your doctor may use imaging techniques like ultrasound to find the vein.
During the procedure, you will be asked to position yourself in such a way that problematic veins expose. Your doctors will use a sclerosing agent like polidocanol and glycerin in either liquid or foam form to shut down the affected veins. The sclerosing agent is directly injected into your affected veins with the help of a very small needle. You will feel the needle pinch in your skin and mild discomfort when the injection goes into your veins. If a large vein is under treatment, you will likely feel cramping during the injection. After the injection, you will be asked to lie down for 15 minutes or so to avoid any reaction to the sclerosing agent.
Over time, the sclerosant shuts down your veins, and the veins fade away. The blood of the veins is redirected to nearby healthy veins.
What Can You Expect After the Procedure?
After the procedure, for 48 hours, you should:
- Avoid shaving and applying lotion to the affected part
- Avoid hot baths, hot compressors, and direct sun exposure
- Wear loose and comfortable cloths
- Wash the treated veins area with mild soap and lukewarm water
Recovery after the sclerotherapy doesn’t take too long, and you can return to your normal activities like driving and walking after the procedure.
Sclerotherapy in Kansas City
If you’re in search of a reliable vein doctor for your vein disease, trust our board-certified vein specialist, Dr. Scott Darling, at Missouri Vein Specialists. Dr. Darling does a thorough evaluation to give you a diagnosis. Then, he offers treatment options suitable for your need.
Besides sclerotherapy, we also offer micro phlebectomy, endovenous ablation, ligation and stripping, and much more. The choice of treatment depends on your vein condition and your suitability for treatment.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Darling today by calling us at (816) 792-3400, or using this secure form.
