Veins play an essential role in the human body. Going back to our Science classes in school, we were taught that our bodies are made up of veins, and that is where our blood circulates. Without blood circulating in our bodies, it could leave us unhealthy or cause us to die. Yet sometimes, our veins become unhealthy, or they cause an unpleasant appearance on our skin like unsightly spider veins. However, there is no need to feel insecure, hiding certain flaws in your body with make-up. Sclerotherapy treatments for spider veins will allow you to show off every part of your body!
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment that uses a special solution injected directly into spider veins. Spider veins are small dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin, commonly found near the nostrils, on the tip of the nose, in front of the ears, and sometimes on the cheeks. However, it can also develop anywhere in the body. Varicose veins are larger and more prominent blue veins that protrude from the skin, mainly seen on the legs. Varicose veins are different from spider veins.
Several sources claim that Sclerotherapy also treats varicose veins. It depends on your provider on what treatment they provide. However, it is sure that Sclerotherapy is great for treating unhealthy veins in our body. The blood will reroute to healthier veins with the treatment, and the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and fades eventually.
How does Sclerotherapy work?
A great benefit of Sclerotherapy is that it is minimally invasive. However, it would be best to prepare for it like any other treatment.
Preparation: Before the procedure, your provider will assess your medical history and give you a physical exam. They will discuss your expectations, the potential risks, and the process results. They will also check your veins and other underlying blood vessel disorders (if any). You need to let them know if you have any medical conditions like heart disease, pre-existing cancer, or coagulation disorder. You should also let your providers know if you have any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, take any supplements, smoke, or take oral contraceptives, increasing your risk of blood clots and any allergies.
During: Sclerotherapy is performed in the office and requires no downtime. It does not also require anesthesia and usually takes about fifteen minutes to an hour to accomplish, which depends on the extent of the damage and the number of veins. According to some clients, they experience minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted. The injection solution irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to swell shut and block the blood flow.
Once the needle is removed, your provider will apply compression to the area to keep blood out of the injected vessel and distribute the emulsion. The provider will tape a compression pad onto the site for large veins to maintain the area compressed while your doctor treats the next vein. The size and number of veins being treated determine how many injections will be required.
After: After the procedure, you can stand up and walk around immediately because, as mentioned earlier, it is minimally invasive. It is essential to move your legs to prevent the formation of blood clots and maximize treatment results. It is also recommended to wear graduated compression stockings and or bandages covering the treatment area for one to three weeks to maintain pressure on the treated veins.
Most clients can return to normal activities immediately following the Sclerotherapy. Avoiding sun exposure in the treatment area for two weeks following the procedure is also recommended.
What else should I know about Sclerotherapy?
You may already know a lot about the therapy, but what else should you consider?
Benefits: There may be several more methods to address spider and varicose veins, but you should opt for Sclerotherapy because it is a quick treatment and is minimally incursive. The procedure can alleviate related symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning, and night cramps. The treated veins are expected to fade within a few weeks, although in some cases, it can take up to two months to see the full results. In some instances, you may need several sclerotherapy treatments. How long you need to continue treatment will depend on your condition.
Cost: The price will depend on the size and quantity of veins to be treated. Unfortunately, Sclerotherapy is not covered by insurance since it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Potential Risks: It is important that you understand any risks involved before deciding on this procedure. Of course, when you choose an experienced provider, like Delle Chiaie Cosmetic Medicine, you certainly can minimize your risks. In line with this, you should expect bruising, raised red areas, small skin sores, darkened skin in the form of bars or spots, and multiple tiny red blood vessels. There are also severe risks such as inflammation, blood clots, allergic reaction to treatment solutions, and side effects in the bloodstream, including nausea, headaches, coughing, and visual disturbances, but all of these rarely happen.
Also, note that if you are pregnant, it is recommended to wait until after you give birth to have the procedure.
We know how profusing it is to have absorbed all of these pieces of information; that is why this blog is written to provide you with immediate answers. Delle Chiaie Cosmetic Medicine experts will work collaboratively to meet or even surpass your cosmetic expectations. Located in Hampton, USA, its mission is to carry one’s inner beauty to the surface without leaving their well-being behind.
These unhealthy veins can affect us internally and externally because of appearance insecurities. Stop holding back now and start your Sclerotherapy journey today! If you would like to find out more about Sclerotherapy, get in touch with Delle Chiaie Cosmetic Medicine today!