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Sclerotherapy in Houston, TX
Sclerotherapy is a very popular procedure performed in the office to eliminate spider, reticular, small varicose, and veins beneath the surface that may be contributing to the visible veins. Dr. Bardwil, a board-certified vascular surgeon & sclerotherapy specialist from Houston, Texas, performs sclerotherapy successfully at our clinic, TX Vein. If you have issues with spider veins and are located in Houston, Texas, please feel free to reach out to us.
A small gauge needle is used to perform the procedure, which involves injecting a solution into the veins that causes them to close. The solution may be liquid or foam. Liquid is liquid. Foam involves combining the liquid with gas – either air or carbon dioxide, to make the solution foamy. Foam sclerotherapy has the advantage of better displacement of blood from the vein wall, and more surface area contact within the vein wall. It is typically used for veins that are slightly larger.
Types of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy procedure can be further subcategorized as visual sclerotherapy, which involves injecting visible veins and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, which involves injecting abnormal veins beneath the surface of the skin using ultrasound guidance for needle placement. If foam sclerotherapy is performed using the ultrasound, distribution of the solution can be observed.
Sclerotherapy Process
Sclerotherapy is usually done in phases, which include pre-treatment evaluation, the sclerotherapy procedure, and post-treatment aftercare.
Pre-Treatment
Pre-treatment photography is performed at the time of the initial visit and on each subsequent visit. These are useful to document the expected improvement. While some vein practices will attempt to quantify a percentage of improvement, this percentage is often subjective. The goal should be significant improvement, which can be easily seen by reviewing the photographs.
Sclerotherapy Sessions
The sessions last from 10-30 minutes depending on the area size and extent of veins being treated. There are limits as to how much solution can be safely used in one session, but in most cases an entire leg can be covered in a session. The other leg can be treated a day or two later.
Dr. Bardwil uses a variety of sclerosing solutions to treat veins. The choice of solution is determined by size of vein, previous medical history and allergy.
Post-Treatment
Your vein doctor will inform you what to avoid after sclerotherapy for best results. Support stockings are recommended especially following treatment, and walking is encouraged.
Many people can’t get over the change in their legs and are thrilled to be able to wear comfortable clothes again.
Sclerotherapy FAQs
Are There Any Complications or Side Effects After Sclerotherapy?
Serious complications are extremely rare with sclerotherapy procedures and risks can be discussed at the time of the initial consultation.
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
The discomfort is tolerable and numbing cream is available.
How Many Sclerotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
Sclerotherapy is a process and while occasionally patients require only one session to an area, usually additional sessions are required. Most patients will be pleased after two sessions to an area. As with most cosmetic procedures, the treatment areas will look worse initially. Patients are checked at about 2-3 weeks. In most cases 2-3 months is allowed to elapse, before retreatment.
Sclerotherapy Before & After Images
Schedule Your Initial Evaluation at Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists, Houston