Benefits of Sclerotherapy

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from varicose veins or spider veins, you may be interested in knowing how sclerotherapy can help. Venous insufficiency affects more than just the appearance of your legs. Those swollen, bulging veins can also disrupt the health of your skin and make your legs feel like lead.

Those unsightly veins don’t have to be a part of your life any longer. Read on to learn how sclerotherapy can benefit you.

What is Sclerotherapy?

First of all, let’s talk about what sclerotherapy is. Sclerotherapy is a treatment aimed at decreasing the appearance of varicose veins (chronic venous insufficiency) and spider veins. It can be done right in the office of your dermatologist or vein specialist. The in-office procedure involves the injection of a sclerosant (a chemical solution) into the veins or blood vessels, which is intended to shrink them. Essentially, the injected solution irritates the vein, causing it to swell and cut off blood flow, which will then result in the vein or vessel shrinking.

Believe it or not, sclerotherapy has been around since the 1680s. Thankfully, procedures have been modernized since then!

How Can Sclerotherapy Help You?

If you’re considering trying sclerotherapy, you’ll want to know what to expect from treatment. Sclerotherapy has a number of benefits, including improving the appearance of varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy can alleviate pain in the legs. When you’ve got varicose veins, you can experience some pain in the area. An injection of a sclerosant can help to ease the pain associated with venous insufficiency.
You can get relief from leg soreness or heaviness with sclerotherapy. Vein problems can lead to discomfort in the legs. Some people report an achiness or general feeling of heaviness in their calves. Having a sclerotherapy procedure can help counteract the discomfort.
Sclerotherapy can improve the overall appearance of the leg veins. Varicose veins are weakened veins that become swollen and bulged. Often, this is one of the most bothersome symptoms for patients as it is the most visible. Rather than hiding the unsightly veins, try sclerotherapy to shrink them so you can feel more confident about your legs.
Skin irritation related to vein issues can be resolved. Sometimes the skin in the area of varicose veins and spider veins can get irritated and break out in a rash. Once your veins are treated with sclerotherapy, the skin in the area can also heal.
Prevent future vein damage by getting sclerotherapy now. Being proactive about your vein health can help prevent vein problems from getting worse. The earlier you treat venous insufficiency, the more effective it can be, as it can also help stave off additional venous issues.
Sclerotherapy can also treat hemorrhoids. While less common, sclerotherapy can be used to treat hemorrhoids that don’t respond to traditional treatments. Since hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins, the procedure of shrinking the veins through sclerotherapy can provide effective relief.

Is Sclerotherapy Painful?

The needle used for the sclerosant injection is very fine. Once the vein is injected, you may experience some mild cramping for a few minutes.

How Effective is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is one of the top treatments for venous insufficiency and for good reason. The injections are effective for both small and large problem veins. Studies have found success rates of 80-90% in effectively treating varicose veins and spider veins.

How Long Does the Sclerotherapy Procedure Take?

The length of the sclerotherapy procedure depends on several factors. The size of the area being treated will have an effect on how long the visit takes, as will the number of veins being treated. On average, a sclerotherapy procedure takes about 15-45 minutes.

How Long is the Healing Process After Sclerotherapy?

The length of the post sclerotherapy healing process depends on several factors. The full healing process could take 6-8 weeks, during which time the treated area should be given extra support through rest and compression. This doesn’t mean that you must stay off your feet for this entire period; however, it’s not recommended to seek retreatment of the area until after that 6-8 week window.

For proper healing, it is essential that you use compression on the treated area around the clock for at least the first 24 hours after the procedure. After that point, it is recommended to use compression during the day for at least 3-5 days. Then, it’s a good idea to continue with compression for the following 10-14 days any time you’ll be on your feet.

Following the aftercare instructions as closely as possible can shorten the healing time. The most important step to follow after sclerotherapy would involve using compression therapy, either through bandages or wearing a compression stocking. Keeping the area compressed helps to prevent the vein from filling with blood and expanding before it has had time to fully heal.

How Soon Will I See Results After Sclerotherapy?

You can expect to see an improvement in pain, discomfort, and the appearance of your veins within a few weeks after your sclerotherapy procedure.

Does Insurance Cover Sclerotherapy?

There are many variables that will affect if your insurance company will cover some or all of the costs of sclerotherapy. Of course, the type of insurance plan you have will determine how comprehensive your coverage is. A premium insurance plan will be more likely to cover sclerotherapy,

However, the reasons for seeking out sclerotherapy can also play a role in whether or not your insurance company will help out with the costs. Those getting sclerotherapy for medical reasons, such as for chronic pain and swelling, have a higher likelihood that their insurance company may provide some coverage.

If you’d like to have the procedure done for cosmetic reasons only, it’s not likely to be covered by insurance, as is the case with most other cosmetic procedures.

Summary

Now you know how important it is to have healthy veins for your physical and mental wellbeing. You also know the signs associated with problem veins in addition to the obvious physical symptoms like the swollen, bulged appearance in the legs and feet. Knowing how the sclerotherapy procedure works and how it can benefit you can help make the decision of trying this therapy easier.

You’ve seen how this quick, easy injection can alleviate your vein issues, leaving you with healthier, smoother legs and freedom from pain and soreness. Committing to several weeks of compression and rest are all you need to ensure you get the most out of your sclerotherapy procedure.

While a healthy diet and lifestyle are extremely helpful for vein health, it’s important to seek out professional care if the problem persists. If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency that don’t respond to diet and lifestyle changes, contact us today to book an appointment.