Get Rid of Painful Veins with Sclerotherapy by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

Smooth, clear skin enhances confidence and comfort. Spider and varicose veins can not only force people to hide their shorts and skirts in the back of the closet, but they also cause heaviness, burning, itching and overall discomfort in the legs. Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1930s to effectively treat spider and varicose veins. After 80 years of technological advancement, sclerotherapy continues to give answers to the thousands of Americans suffering from vein pain in their legs.

Sclerotherapy Vein Solutions

Sclerotherapy involves closing the offending veins so they dissipate from view. Your Austin phlebologist, vein specialist, injects a solution into the varicose or spider vein. The solution effectively forces the vein to swell shut; eventually, the vein becomes scar tissue which then becomes invisible. The actual procedure does generally cause some discomfort and slight cramping, but it’s over in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are being treated at once.

Post-Sclerotherapy

Many patients go back to work that same day, even driving themselves home after the procedure. Results require patience, since they can take anywhere between 3 weeks and 4 months to completely disappear, depending on the size and personal specifics. In addition, veins do occasionally reform after their removal. However, more often than not these new veins are actually new veins which patients mistake for the treated veins.

Discuss specific post-care instructions with your Austin dermatology clinic before the sclerotherapy procedure. Aspirin and ibuprofen medications aren’t allowed for a 48 hour span surrounding the sclerotherapy. Patients commonly need compression stockings after treatment to make sure the blood circulation continues as usual. Heat is prohibited for 48 hours after treatment – for example, hot baths, hot tubs, hot compresses or sun bathing.

Some side effects may occur after the sclerotherapy, but they’re almost always temporary. These include a lumpy effect in the treated area, brown lines and bruising.

Who’s Not Eligible for Sclerotherapy

Many pregnant women inquire about sclerotherapy since pregnancy can cause spider and varicose veins. However, if you’re pregnant, you cannot get sclerotherapy until at least 3 months post-birth. If you’ve experienced blood clots, talk to your Austin phlebologist about your medical history before scheduling sclerotherapy.

To discuss your personalized vein treatment options, call Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today. They’ll schedule an initial consultation to address all your questions and concerns.