Sclerotherapy
A sclerosant is an irritating medical solution that’s injected into the lumen of a defective vein, prompting its permanent occlusion. Once the vein is sealed shut, blood is rerouted away from that vein and into blood vessels that can efficiently return it to the heart. This procedure is called sclerotherapy.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure performed with a small needle. It only takes 15 minutes to complete most procedures, which eliminate 80% of spider veins. Sclerotherapy can also treat varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency, when administered by a qualified Texas vein treatment specialist.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is the predominant cause of spider veins and it’s frequently undiagnosed. A qualified doctor knows to check for this vein disease rather than simply treating spider veins cosmetically.
Left untreated, venous insufficiency causes spider veins and varicose veins to proliferate, and also leads to serious complications like bleeding, ulcerations, infections, and deep vein thrombosis. Sclerotherapy is an excellent solution to resolve this disease and the resultant vein damage.
Patients love that sclerotherapy is a swift and painless way to erase visible spider veins and also prevent life-threatening complications. Most spider veins are rendered invisible within 3 weeks of treatment, but patients with larger veins might take 6 weeks to 3 months to see full resolution.
You don’t have to miss a single moment with this gentle treatment, which involves no downtime and allows you to walk and resume activities immediately. Post procedure, you’ll simply wear an ACE bandage for one day and a compression stocking for two weeks. Some patients will be advised to avoid hot baths and showers and certain medications temporarily following treatment.
Is Sclerotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Sclerotherapy is widely covered by insurance carriers and most patients have no out-of-pocket costs. The insurance specialists at our Houston Vein Treatment Center will determine your coverage prior to treatment, so you know what to expect. Reclaim your vascular health and youthful skin affordably today!
What are the Side Effects of Sclerotherapy?
Most of these side effects can be avoided completely if Sclerotherapy is performed by an experienced physician
Sclerotherapy produces minimal side effects, the most common of which are bruising and itching at the treatment site. Some patients will experience a bumpy or hardened area in the treated vein.
Patients with allergies might experience vein swelling or itchy, reddened skin. Let our doctors know if you’re prone to allergies so we can test you for an allergic reaction prior to treatment.
In very rare cases, patients develop sudden swelling or sores near the injection site, which require a prompt call to your doctor.
Side effects subside as the patient recovers, over the course of a few weeks, and resolve by the end of recovery.
What are the Pros & Cons of Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Advantages of Sclerotherapy for Varicose & Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is an advantageous alternative to surgery for patients with spider veins and varicose veins. Since it’s performed in-office without general anesthesia or large incisions, the risks are dramatically reduced. Patients don’t have to deal with the hospitalization, scarring, and pain that accompany surgical vein stripping.
Another advantage of sclerotherapy is that it takes 30 minutes or less. Patients’ schedules are not disrupted, nor are their lives, since there is no recuperation period after the procedure. Regular activities are typically resumed as soon as the patient leaves our office.
Disadvantages of Sclerotherapy for Varicose & Spider Veins
Don’t seek vein treatment in Texas from a clinic that takes a universal approach to treating veins. Every patient has distinct venous pathways and health factors to consider. Sclerotherapy, like all medical procedures, is not right for everyone.
Spider veins and small varicose veins respond best to sclerotherapy. If you have larger veins or severe vein disease, our doctors might recommend another procedure like RFA or VenaSeal, or a combination of vein treatments for best results.
Did you know most treatments in our Texas Vein Clinic are covered by most major medical insurances? Call us now to verify your insurance coverage 512-975-2494
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