For the treatment of small varicose veins or spider veins, you may wish to explore sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive way to look and feel better. Featuring quick in-office treatments and no downtime, sclerotherapy from your vascular surgeon is highly effective, and best of all, it lasts.
Let’s learn more about sclerotherapy treatment and where you can go for this treatment in Tampa, FL.
What Are Sclerotherapy Treatments Like?
Sclerotherapy happens in the treatment room at your vascular surgeon’s office. After a qualifying medical examination, review of your symptoms, and inspection of your thread-like spider veins, your vein doctor may recommend one or more sclerotherapy treatments.
A popular, non-surgical intervention that closes off small surface veins on the face, legs, and ankles, sclerotherapy involves injecting chemical irritants directly into the affected blood vessels. No anesthetic is needed; however, your provider will raise the areas to be treated and cleanse them.
Then, the doctor will inject the sclerotherapy solution with a very fine needle. Usually, the solution is sodium-based, and while the injections cause no appreciable discomfort, the area around the injection site may become somewhat red and sore.
As the doctor injects the sclerotherapy solution, the spider vein closes down and quickly seals off, disappearing over the next few weeks. Gradually, the blood contained within the treated vein will be redirected to other healthier veins nearby. You will receive limited injections during your first treatment and then return for an additional therapy on all affected veins.
What Happens After Sclerotherapy?
After your procedure, you can drive home and return to your normal activities. However, you should avoid gym workouts, heavy lifting, direct sunlight, and hot showers for about a week, and your vein specialist may ask you to wear compression stockings for up to two weeks to speed healing and provide support. If needed, you may take over-the-counter analgesics as directed by your physician.
While you may see some red to dark-colored lines or raised bumps around the injection sites, these also will resolve. Also, you will notice that your spider veins will be completely gone in a matter of weeks.
How Long Does Sclerotherapy Last?
The best news of all is that sclerotherapy really works. Once spider veins or small varicose veins receive treatment, they are gone permanently. However, you may develop them in other areas, so it’s important to continue with healthy vein practices, such as:
- Smoking cessation
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing
- Getting light exercise every day
- Staying well hydrated
- Seeing your vein doctor right away if any symptoms of vascular problems appear
Vein Sclerotherapy in Tampa, FL
If you would like to see if you are a candidate and further discuss what treatment and recovery look like, call the office of Edward G. Mackay and Associates for an expert and friendly consultation with our physician. Dr. Mackay has used sclerotherapy on numerous patients who desire improved physical appearance and self-confidence.
To know more or schedule a consultation, call us today at (727) 349-5652 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
