Your veins are equipped with one-way valves that regulate blood flow. Sometimes, these valves malfunction and the blood cannot move back up towards the heart. Instead, it stays trap within your legs, causing a vein disease.
Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment that uses a chemical substance called sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) to collapse and close an infected vein. It’s minimally invasive, and it’s injected directly into the vein.
Before the procedure, your doctor will perform a physical examination to evaluate the involved veins and check for any underlying blood vessel disease. During this appointment, the vein specialist will ask about your medical history, allergies, and any previous treatments.
During The Treatment
Typically, every sclerotherapy session lasts 30 minutes, depending on your vein’s condition. During this day, we recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing and don’t shave or apply any lotion to your legs.
How It Works?
Your doctor will rub alcohol on the vein’s area and then insert a thin needle. This chemical will collapse the vein and block the blood flow. Eventually, it will turn to scar tissue and disappear.
You will probably feel a little bit of pain when the needle is inserted, and some people may feel burning, tingling, or nothing at all. Once the solution is injected, and the needle is withdrawn, your doctor will massage the area to prevent blood from re-entering the vein.
After Sclerotherapy Treatment
Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure, and it doesn’t require anesthesia. In some cases, you will need follow-up treatment to collapse the vein completely, since various treatments are necessary to get rid of varicose veins fully.
The most common adverse reactions are bruising, redness, and pain near the injected vein. Less frequently, some patients experience allergic reactions that can result in changes to skin color.
Tips for a Faster Recovery
You’ll be instructed to wear support socks or wraps to compress the treated vessels. You should remain active and do low-impact exercises, such as walking, to prevent blood clots. Usually, people get back to their normal life after the first day. However, it’s recommended to rest the first two days and ask someone to drive you home after the session.
Additionally, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 48 hours. You will want to avoid sunlight because it can cause dark spots on the treated area.
How Soon Do You See Results?
Your mild discomfort and bruising should heal by itself in 2-6 weeks, though you can go back to normal activities after 2-4 days.
This procedure produces long-lasting results, but it does take a while for them to disappear. Spider veins fade in 3-6 weeks, while varicose veins take several months to completely disappear.
Quality Care in Chicago
Contact Rosen Vein Care to start your way to recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.
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