What is Sclerotherapy?
Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists provides sclerotherapy vein treatment in Houston, Texas. If you’re looking for a simple and effective vein treatment for smaller varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy may be ideal. During this in-office procedure, vein doctors inject a liquid or foam sclerosing chemical into the vein to eliminate it. Although it is common to need at least two treatment sessions to treat all the veins in a given area, some patients need only one session. If you are prone to getting spider veins, more of them may develop over time and you may need additional treatments. However, most patients are very happy with the improvement they see in their skin after vein treatment is completed.
How is Sclerotherapy Performed?
Depending upon your individual needs, your treatment may be done visually, where veins seen just below the surface of your skin are injected with a fine-gauge needle. In other cases, vascular surgeons will perform ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy to treat veins below the surface. These deeper varicose veins may be contributing to those visible on the skin’s surface.
Liquid solution is injected when small varicose and spider veins are treated, while foam is appropriate for slightly larger varicose veins. Foam is created when sclerosing liquid is mixed with carbon dioxide or oxygen. The choice of solution also depends on medical history and possible allergies. The liquid or foam causes the injected veins to close and shrivel, eventually being carried away by the body. The blood flow is simply re-routed by the body around the area so that circulation is not compromised.
Treatment sessions take only 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated and the density of vein distribution in that area. Generally, one leg can be treated per session with the other done within the next couple of days.
Before and After Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
Photos of the treatment area are taken at your Houston area vein clinic before the first treatment begins and on each additional follow up visit to document improvement. Patients should see significant progress when they later review the images. Numbing cream is available to desensitize the skin and pain is typically described as minimal.
There will be bruising after the procedure. After bruises clear, most patients are very satisfied with the improvement in their veins and skin. Your vein doctor will see you 2 or 3 weeks after initial treatment to evaluate healing and plan any future treatment that may be needed. Treatment is generally not resumed until 2 or 3 months have passed. After treatment, patients should walk to ensure proper circulation and speed healing. Compression stockings should be worn as well.
To find out if sclerotherapy is right for you, contact the Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists today. Noted Houston vein treatment specialist, Dr. Michael F. Bardwil and his staff can help you say goodbye to annoying spider or varicose veins. Soon, you’ll be more comfortable and may even enjoy wearing shorts again. Contact us today!
Author: Dr. Michael Bardwil is a board-certified vascular surgeon and is among Houston’s most well-respected and experienced vein doctors.
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