Varicose veins are a relatively common condition, affecting millions of Americans. In fact, it’s estimated that 20% of all adults will develop varicose veins at some point in their lives.* While they’re sometimes little more than a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can also be painful and even debilitating.
That said, not all varicose veins require treatment. But if your veins are bulging, twisted and rope-like in appearance, are achy and heavy feeling or causing cramping, swelling and discomfort, it’s time to see a specialist.
At The Vein Center at Lam Vascular & Associates, we see individuals who are experiencing the symptoms above, but we also see people who are just unhappy with the appearance of their legs because of spider and/or varicose veins. And that’s okay, too! In either scenario, we can help.
We love to educate our patients about the venous issues that cause varicose veins to develop, as well as how to prevent them and how we can treat them. All so you can get back to living your life!
One treatment we use in many cases is a procedure called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is often considered the treatment of choice for spider veins and small varicose veins, and patients love it because we can perform it right here in the office with little downtime.
Check out these frequently asked questions about sclerotherapy, then schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced vascular specialists to see if sclerotherapy is right for you.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment for smaller varicose and spider veins.
How does sclerotherapy work?
Sclerotherapy works by injecting a solution (generally a salt solution) which causes the vessel wall to swell and scar over, forcing blood to reroute to healthier veins. The collapsed vein is then reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
How effective is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherpy is not right for everyone. The first order of business is to make sure a more serious venous issue is not at play. Also, if pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need to wait before having sclerotherapy. And if your veins are bulging and rope-like, sclerotherapy is probably not for you. But for those who are good candidates, sclerotherapy is generally a very effective treatment in many cases.
Research suggests that sclerotherapy effectively removes spider veins in 75–90 percent of cases**, but typically requires multiple treatments.
Is sclerotherapy dangerous?
Sclerotherapy is generally a very safe and effective procedure. At The Vein Center at Lam Vascular & Associates, our experienced vascular specialists perform it in-office.
What should I expect after a sclerotherapy session?
You can get up and walk around soon after the procedure. Walking and moving your legs is important to prevent blood clots. We will have you wear compression stockings — usually for about two weeks — to maintain compression on the treated veins.
Most people return to their normal activities on the same day, but it may be wise to have someone drive you home after the procedure. You should avoid strenuous exercise and sun exposure for two weeks.
Will my veins disappear right away?
It takes time for the treated vein to collapse, get reabsorbed into local tissue and ultimately fade away. That said, every person is different and results will vary. But you can typically expect to see definitive results in three to six weeks.
Larger veins may require three to four months to resolve completely. And, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the results you want. Veins that respond to treatment generally don’t come back, but new veins may appear.
Will I need more than one treatment?
In some cases, more than one treatment will be needed. We will schedule a follow-up visit about a month after your sclerotherapy treatment to determine if you need more sessions. Generally, you need to wait about six weeks before undergoing another sclerotherapy treatment.
The Vein Center at Lam Vascular & Associates: We are Here for You
Are you ready to say goodbye to your varicose veins? Our interactive Vein Self-Test can help you know if you should seek treatment.
At The Vein Center, we are your trusted resource for helping you fully understand your options, and with guidance from Dr. Jenna Wishnew, choose the right treatment for you.
This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated entirely to the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of venous conditions. An evaluation at The Vein Center at Lam Vascular & Associates is non-invasive and is the best way to know the health of your veins.
Schedule your evaluation at The Vein Center at Lam Vascular & Associates today.
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279247/
**https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24196269/
