Sclerotherapy-Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment

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Sclerotherapy-Spider and Varicose Vein Treatment

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical office procedure that can treat most diseased surface veins. This procedure involves injecting medication into a vein using an extremely tiny needle. The medication closes down the vein walls so that they stick together and are gradually reabsorbed by the body. When diseased veins are eliminated, circulation is improved and this makes the legs healthier.

What causes vein problems?

Veins carry used blood to the heart through one-way valve systems. When there is a weakness in the vein wall or a faulty valve, the valve stretches and no longer closes properly. This causes the veins to become filled with blood that can't flow normally, causing pain, swelling, discoloration, sores that won't heal, blood clots and other problems.

What types of vein problems are treated at The Midtown Health and Wellness Clinic?

Spider veins (legs and facial) and small varicose veins are the most common. Other vein problems that we address, assess, and treat include:
  • chronically swollen legs
  • recurrent infections
  • thrombophlebitis
  • pregnancy-related vein issues

How many treatments are required?

Depending on the type and severity of the veins, the average number of treatments is anywhere between 3 and 5, although in some cases as many as 10 treatments may be required.
The larger vessels must be treated first and require a few (3 or 4) well-placed needles using a stronger solution. The smaller spider veins may require many points of injection using a weaker solution.

Treatment

Discomfort after a treatment is rare. Most patients once they leave our office feel well enough to go directly back to work. We recommend that patients walk for 30 minutes immediately after each treatment.

What can I do to prevent varicose and spider veins from returning after a treatment?

Varicose veins are a chronic illness and are subject to reccurrence. You can be proactive in helping to prevent recurrence. Some measures that can be taken are:

  1. Medically prescribed compression stockings.
    These are highly recommended and come in a variety of colors and styles. Use them when your legs ache, for long trips or for prolonged walking or standing. Our staff will prescribe the correct strength and size for you.

  2. Wear comfortable shoes with good heel support (running shoes are best).

  3. Avoid wearing girdles, ordinary knee high stockings and high heel shoes.

  4. Exercise regularly. Avoid standing for long periods of time and if you must stand, try to flex your muscles or sit/lie down with your legs up.