Sclerotherapy
Spider vein treatment
Are you bothered by tiny, thin red, blue, or purple veins that take the shape of tree branches on your legs or other parts of your body? Sclerotherapy is exactly what your medical provider will prescribe. Called spider veins or varicose veins, depending on their severity, these veins are not a danger to the patient’s health but many consider them to be unaesthetic. Fortunately, spider veins and varicose veins can now be treated using sclerotherapy.
If you are interested in finding out more about sclerotherapy therapy, contact medical aesthetics specialist Annamarie Salyer FNP-C at Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa in Indianapolis, IN to see if this treatment is right for you.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution, the sclerosant, directly into the affected vein. The solution damages the inner lining of the vein. The vein collapses, the treated vein is reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue, and blood is rerouted through healthier surrounding veins.
Sclerotherapy
How is the procedure performed?
The medical provider takes a tiny needle and injects a small volume of irritant solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to close down. Over time, the body absorbs the treated vein and it disappears and lightens in color. Most patients only describe mild discomfort during the procedure.
Sclerotherapy
What can I expect after the procedure?
Directly after injection the area may be red and irritated, which is a normal outcome and usually subsides within the first week. Over time, the veins will respond to treatment and begin to disappear and lighten in color. Generally, normal activities can be resumed immediately following sclerotherapy. Compression stockings must be worn after sclerotherapy for about 5-7 days to enhance vein closure and to reduce discoloration.
Sclerotherapy
How many sessions will I need?
Sclerotherapy is a tiered treatment approach and typically multiple treatment sessions spread out over several months are required, depending on the extent of disease. The full benefit of sclerotherapy may not be realized until 4-5 weeks after injection, at which point the determination will be made if additional sessions are needed. There is a set limit on the volume of irritant that can be injected in one session, requiring up to 3-5 sessions to fully treat the legs.
Frequently asked questions
Sclerotherapy patients can return to their regular daily activities as soon as the procedure is complete. If pain is present, it usually fades within just a few days. Mild bruising may occur and will heal completely in one to two weeks.
No, sclerotherapy does not generally hurt. The slight pinch of the needle is likely all you’ll feel during your treatment.
In general terms and under optimal conditions, clients can achieve desirable results within 4 treatment sessions.
The average cost of sclerotherapy is $399. This includes compression stockings. The average cost of laser vein treatment for leg veins is $443.
- Bruising.
- Raised red areas.
- Small skin sores.
- Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots.
- Multiple tiny red blood vessels.
Avoid taking hot baths or swimming for at least 2 days after sclerotherapy treatment. Also, avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen. Staying active after the procedure helps prevent the formation of blood clots. However, people should avoid strenuous exercise, such as running or weightlifting, for at least a couple of days after getting the injections.
