Sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins is a treatment where a chemical is injected into the vein that causes damage to the lining of the vein. Once the vein is damaged it closes off. While performing this procedure the doctor will elevate the leg to help drain the blood while the solution is injected into the vein. Once the sclerotherapy is completed the doctor will apply pressure to the area to prevent blood from returning to the area once you stand. Your doctor may also recommend support stockings for a few days to help keep pressure on the area. It is important for you to wear these stockings even when sleeping until the area has had time to heal properly.
Sclerotherapy usually takes only a few minutes, depending on the number of veins being injected. It is done in the doctor’s office and does not require any type of anesthesia unless the doctor prefers to inject a local anesthetic to dull the pain of the needle. Some people say the treatment is painful and the chemical that is injected burns for a few minutes. There is one type of chemical called cpt foam sclerotherapy that is often used that expands once it enters the vein. Some people find they have better results with this type of chemical but if can be a bit more painful.
For larger veins your doctor may prefer to also use an ultrasound machine that helps guide them into the vein. This treatment for varicose veins has provided relief for people who would otherwise have to undergo surgery. This type treatment for varicose veins usually uses cpt foam which can be safer and more effective than other types of solutions. Although this type therapy is not as common in the United States as it is in other countries, it is usually also more cost effective because it can be done outside the hospital.
After sclerotherapy treatment you will not usually require any type of recovery period. You will be able to walk just as you did before but it is best to minimize the amount of time you are on your feet for a few days. Doctors do not recommend that you go to bed but they do discourage strenuous exercise for a few days or weeks after the treatment.
Sclerotherapy should not be done if someone is pregnant or nursing since it is not known whether the chemical used will cause birth defects or enter the breast milk of the mother. It should also not be done on those who have blood clots or inflammation to their legs.
Sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins is certainly cheaper than surgery since it does not require a stay in the hospital and it allows you to return to work fairly quickly. It is known to reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and helps the appearance of the leg to return to normal.
While this type of treatment for varicose veins is relatively safe, there can be complications such as a change in skin color which could take up to 6 months to disappear. There is also the chance that the change in skin color will be permanent. It is also not known if sclerotherpay treatment for varicose veins will prevent the varicose veins from returning.
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