What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spider veins. It is the most common way to cosmetically treat small, unsightly, veins on the legs. Set up a consultation today.
Who can benefit from sclerotherapy?
People with prominent, unsightly, spider veins in their legs can benefit from sclerotherapy. Patients who experience aching, burning, swelling, and legs cramps at night should be assessed for deeper varicose vein disease before undergoing sclerotherapy.
Women who are currently pregnant are not candidates for sclerotherapy, however, pregnancy may cause spider veins, so the procedure may be beneficial post-partum. People who have certain types of problems with blood clotting are not good candidates for sclerotherapy.
What happens during a consultation?
A sclerotherapy consultation typically starts with a discussion of your medical history, including any medications you are currently taking. The spider veins will be examined, and pictures may be taken for reference.
You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about sclerotherapy. If you decide to move forward with treatment, a custom treatment plan will be created for you.
How does sclerotherapy work?
Sclerotherapy can be performed on an outpatient basis and does not require anesthesia. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, which irritates the vein and causes it to collapse, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins.
The body reabsorbs the collapsed vein and it eventually fades. This in-office procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of the affected veins. It generally takes more than one treatment session to achieve optimal results.
The number of injections required depends on the size and location of the vein being treated. In general, larger veins require more injections than smaller veins. Most people require 2-5 injections per session. Sessions are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart to allow for full healing between treatments.
Post-procedure expectations
Sclerotherapy recovery time is typically short, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. You may experience mild bruising and tenderness, which will resolve, at the injection points after treatment.
After the procedure, your provider may have you wear compression stockings. It is important to stay active after the procedure, but avoid strenuous activity. Avoid things that may cause the veins to dilate, such as hot baths, hot tubs, high impact aerobic exercise, heat, and inactivity for one week. It may take six weeks to see the full effect of the procedure and to know whether subsequent treatments will be needed.
References: ASDS
The cost of spider vein treatment
The price of sclerotherapy to address spider veins varies from case to case. Generally, cost for this procedure is determined based on factors like the number of injections required and the number of veins being treated.
Contact us to learn more
If you are considering sclerotherapy to treat your spider veins in Bend, OR, contact Deschutes Dermatology Center to consult with a qualified medical professional, who will determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
