Ever since sclerotherapy was introduced in the United States nearly a century ago, it has come a long way toward helping countless people conquer the discomforts and quality-of-life issues caused by spider veins and varicose veins.
If you have heard other people raving about sclerotherapy and want to see the wonders that it can do for those annoying, gnarled veins in your legs, read on to learn more about it, particularly how it works, what the recovery entails, and whether it is right for you.
How Sclerotherapy Procedure Works
Sclerotherapy is a short procedure in which your vein doctor administers an irritant solution into your problematic vein to irritate its lining, causing it to collapse, stick together, and close off. The vein is then eventually reabsorbed into the local tissue and disappears, while your blood gets redirected to the nearby healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy is a very safe and well-tolerated procedure with very minimal side effects, which usually go away within a few days to several weeks. The side effects of sclerotherapy include the following:
- Bruising
- Darkened skin pigment
- Discomfort
- Raised red areas
- Swelling
What to Expect During Recovery
You’ll be able to return to your normal activities after your procedure. Your vein doctor will encourage that you keep your legs moving to promote blood circulation.
Your doctor will also recommend that you wear compression stockings for usually about two weeks to help alleviate the discomfort and speed up the healing. Sun exposure should be avoided, as this can cause hyperpigmentation in the treated areas.
Contraindications
Despite the remarkable benefits of sclerotherapy, it is not suitable for everyone. You may not be qualified for the procedure if you have any of the following conditions or circumstances:
- You are pregnant or lactating.
- You have history of blood clots or inflammation in your deep leg veins.
- You are allergic to sclerosing agent.
- You have severe arterial disease.
To determine your eligibility for sclerotherapy, your vein specialist will carefully assess your overall health, medical history, and the severity of your vein problem.
If you’re eligible for the procedure, your vein specialist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for it to help ensure the success of the treatment.
Sclerotherapy in Palm Harbor, FL
If you’re in search of a trusted vein specialist within the Palm Harbor area in Florida, visit us here at Edward G. Mackay and Associates, LLC.
Dr. Edward Mackay, our double board-certified general and vascular surgeon, delivers superior patient outcomes for sclerotherapy and all other vein procedures—no wonder he’s one of Florida’s most sought-after vein experts!
For more information about sclerotherapy, book a consultation with Dr. Mackay today. Contact our team at (727) 349-5652, or simply send an appointment request right here on our website. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!
