Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a series of saline or chemical solutions into a vein using a very fine needle. The injections cause the vein to collapse and disappear. Generally, an injection is necessary for each inch-long segment of the vein. Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis. Multiple treatments are often necessary to completely collapse the veins. The more veins you want to treat, the more treatments you will need.
After each treatment, you may feel some itching and cramping in the treated area. Your doctor or nurse may advise you to wear a prescription-grade medical compression garment for at least two weeks after treatment to help the veins collapse and to reduce the risk of blood clots, a risk that increases for larger vessels. There may be bruising, but it will usually fade in a few weeks. Other side effects may include pigmentation or scarring. You should walk a bit every day after your treatment.
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for spider veins and varicose veins, but some vessels may still persist after treatment. It’s also important to understand that sclerotherapy can treat veins that are already visible, but it will not prevent new veins from becoming visible. Talk to your nurse or doctor about your expectations during your consultation.
To learn more about cosmetic vein treatments or to determine if you’re a good candidate, schedule a consultation today. Click on the link below to find a Kaiser Permanente Cosmetic Services center near you.