Sclerotherapy is an efficient therapeutic method that includes the treatment of varicose veins and spider veins. It usually involves the treatment of small varicose veins and the procedure is performed by injecting sclerotherapy solution (usually a salt solution) into the veins.
Sclerotherapy is recognized as the proven method of treating varicose veins. This procedure is often done for a cosmetic purpose - improvising the appearance of both varicose and spider veins.
Sclerotherapy procedure is performed to obliterate or destroy veins. However, there are other techniques involved in removing the offending veins, such as surgical removal, endovenous laser destruction, and percutaneous laser light for small veins.
In most of the cases, Sclerotherapy injections are administered through a fine needle directly into the vein. In the case of small veins, hypertonic saline is occasionally used based on the size of the vein. During the sclerotherapy process, a patient might experience mild discomfort and cramping for about two minutes, especially when larger veins to be treated and injected with the chemical.
The procedure lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes (approximately). However, the number of veins to be injected in one session depends on the size and the location of the veins, as well as the individual's overall medical condition.
Before the procedure, your doctor will instruct you to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners or any anti-inflammatory drugs for a certain period.
You will also be instructed to avoid shaving or apply any lotion on legs before coming for the procedure. Be transparent and strictly follow the instruction given by your doctor.
Aftercare is very significant once the sclerotherapy is completed.
You will be required to wear compression dressings such as stockings or bandages for about two to three weeks, to maintain the treated veins. A follow-up appointment is very important so that your doctor can evaluate your progress. Strictly follow instructions given by your doctor.
Every procedure has certain potential complications and also in the case of sclerotherapy. You witness inflammation, swelling, bruising, small skin sores, capillary dilation, pain due to injection, air bubbles may rise in veins. The allergic reaction may be possible due to the solutions used during the treatment. Some side-effects may go away in days, and some may disappear in months.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure and will be discharged on the same day. Walking and moving your legs is an important part of the aftercare to prevent blood clots from appearing, You will be able to see the results in there to six weeks. For larger veins, it may take at least four to six months. To achieve results, you may have to undergo multiple treatments.
Before undergoing for sclerotherapy procedure, you will have an initial consultation, followed by a complete medical examination, whether sclerotherapy obliteration is suitable for you. You will come across with reputed and highly experienced dermatologist to determine if you are the best candidate for sclerotherapy.
You will be screened for an ultrasound to determine the area of veins that are involved and to be treated.
Your doctor will examine the involved veins to be treated. Also, check for any underlying blood vessel disease and if you have any blood clots in the past. You will also tell the doctor if you are on medications, previous surgeries (if any), or any health issues. Depending on the overall health condition, your doctor will decide the procedure. However, sclerotherapy is not recommended for women with pregnancy.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLA) is an advanced method of treating varicose veins without surgery. A non-surgical procedure is performed by heating the abnormal veins by a laser. The heated emitted from the laser beam destroys the walls of the veins, and the body naturally absorbs the dead tissue, and the abnormal veins are destroyed. The procedure is performed at the clinic room by an experienced dermatologist.
Patients who have varicose veins are suitable for EVLA. However, few patients are not eligible to take up this method of treatment (those having small recurrent veins). They can undergo sclerotherapy procedures.
Laser EVLA is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal to no discomfort.
Before the surgery, your doctor will perform a duplex ultrasound scan to determine the veins to be treated and are marked. Then, a local anesthetic is applied to the skin over the vein. A thin laser fiber is inserted into an entry point and up the vein, usually near the knee. A tiny catheter is introduced through a small needle, into the faulty vein. Then, a laser fiber is passed through the catheter into the vein. The laser fiber is fired up and activated, withdrawn gradually destroying the faulty vein.
First, a diode laser fiber is passed into the abnormal vein through a tiny key-hole incision to make way for the laser.
Once the entry point is made, the laser fiber is then passed through the entire vein and is secured next to the leady valve.
The laser is then fired up, and the intense heat is emitted from the tip of the laser fiber is slowly taken out from the vein.
After the laser slowly is withdrawn from the vein, the blood is heated within the vein, and covered with a small dressing.
If you are having both the legs to be treated, the treatment process is repeated on the other leg.
The treatment lasts for about 30 minutes for one leg.
As soon as the treatment is complete, you will be advised to walk and move your leg but with caution. This is to prevent any blood clots from appearing. You will be allowed to go home, and it is advisable not to drive on your own as it may pressure your leg.
It is recommended to wear stockings for about two to three weeks.
It is advisable to strictly follow aftercare instructions.
You will experience the pain, but if the pain is long and intense, the anti-inflammatory drug is prescribed by your doctor.
Before undergoing the procedure, your doctor will suggest you to avoid certain medications. You will be instructed not to shave your legs or apply any lotion before your treatment. The doctor will also advise you to wear a certain kind of dress and comfortable shoes on the day of treatment.
Every procedure has some complications and side-effects. And with Laser EVLA treatment, you will also encounter certain side-effects. However, serious complications are very rare. Some of them include; Deep vein thrombosis (extremely rare), Nerve Damage (usually returns to normal within weeks/months), burns (rarely), and DVT (rare). However, with the experienced dermatologist, complications can be rare and will be treated well.
Laser (EVLA) for varicose veins is the best alternative to saphenous vein stripping surgery. If you are undergoing treatment for both legs, it can be done in a single session.
Varicose veins, also known as varicosities can occur when your veins become enlarged, twisted, and overfilled with blood. Any superficial veins may become varicose, but varicose veins most commonly affected parts of the legs. The symptoms appear to be swollen and raised, misshapen on your legs. You may also experience pain, discoloration, and in severe cases, the vein can bleed, and even ulcers can form.
Most of the people, varicose veins with mild variation are common and can be treated with a simple cosmetic concern. However, some of the cases can involve even sclerotherapy or laser (EVLA) treatment.
Self-care with prescribed medication can be involved in the varicose veins are mild. Consulting with the right doctor for varicose veins medical treatment can give you relief and minimize the discomfort.
Superficial varicose veins do not require medical attention, however, getting consulted with the doctor will help you in relieving the pain and discomfort.
Compression Stockings: After a detailed examination, your doctor will recommend the over-the-counter stockings, which are available in pharmacies and medical stores. The stockings will squeeze the patient’s legs and improve blood circulation. The high-pressure stockings provide more pressure, and doctors will prescribe you the right prescription (low-pressure or high-pressure stockings).
Compression stockings are designed to help with discomfort, pain, and swelling. It also pushes the blood upward, and it should be worn all day and elevate your legs for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Over-the-counter drugs: Your doctor will prescribe you with an anti-inflammatory drug like the aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve swelling and pain.
