Vein Treatment Therapy Maryland
Treat unsightly spider and varicose veins
What is vein therapy?
Vein therapy, or Sclerotherapy, is used to treat unsightly spider and varicose veins. As we age many of us must deal with the unpleasant development of blood vessels, called spider veins, which can appear on the face, legs, and various other body parts. These blood vessels can appear in different forms, short disconnected lines resembling a strand of hair, or in a "sunburst" pattern in which the blood vessels are connected and create a web-like appearance. Varicose veins are larger blood vessels that often protrude above the skin's surface. Many people report a throbbing or burning sensation associated with varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is used to treat these conditions by injecting a sclerosing solution into the targeted blood vessels causing them to collapse and disappear. Sclerotherapy will help to renew the look of your skin by removing these unwanted blemishes, while it helps to relieve the many painful symptoms of burning aching, swelling, and night cramping that are associated with this condition.
What is a Sclerotherapy Treatment session like?
As your doctor begins your treatment session they will thoroughly clean the area to be treated with alcohol. The session generally takes 15 to 30 minutes. The sclerosing solution is administered through a tiny needle directly into the vein. In most cases, your doctor will use the FDA approved solution called Sotradecol®. This particular solution is very effective in not only destroying the blood vessel but dislodging the blood found within the vein as well. The solution is also designed to cause the blood vessel to close, this is to prevent the vein from receiving more blood. Eventually the unwanted vein will collapse and fade from view.
During your Sclerotherapy session you may experience mild cramping or discomfort for up to two minutes (especially in the treatment of larger veins). Immediately following injection your doctor will apply pressure to the treatment area. This area may also be massaged to help diffuse the solution, as well as, minimize the appearance of bruising. The treated veins should fade within two weeks to two months; however, several injections may be required for optimal results. Your doctor will decide how many treatments will be required.
How will I feel after a Sclerotherapy treatment?
Most patients do not report excessive discomfort following a treatment session. There is little to no downtime. Most doctor's recommend returning to your normal daily activities immediately; however, vigorous activity is not recommended for 24 hours. For patients having leg veins treated, your doctor may advise walking following your treatment; this is to increase blood flow throughout your other veins. You may also be advised to wear support hose for up to 72 hours.
For some patients cramping in the legs for a day or two post-treatment is experienced. This is not uncommon and does not require any medications and should diminish quickly. Bruising and redness at the injection site is common and can take up to a month to fade.
Are there any risks or side effects of Sclerotherapy?
Medical complications are rare from this procedure. However, the risks include blood clot formation in the veins, severe inflammation, and allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution (which can generally be treated with medications). You should discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
In some cases, skin pigmentation alterations can occur- brownish spotting in the treatment area- that can take up to a year to fade. "Telangiectatic matting" is another side effect associated with sclerotherapy. This is the appearance of fine reddish blood vessels surrounding the treatment area. If this occurs additional injections may be required.
Is Sclerotherapy effective?
Yes, sclerotherapy is a very effective treatment solution for patients suffering with spider and varicose veins. Studies have reported that 50%-80% of veins treated may be eliminated within one sclerotherapy session; and less than 10% of patients who have undergone treatment have not responded to the injections at all. There are different solutions that can be used if one does not seem to be effective. Although this treatment is successful with most patients there is no guarantee.
It is important to understand that results may not be seen immediately. For many patients, spider veins fade within three to six weeks, and varicose veins may take as long as four months. Although sclerotherapy can erase current veins it does not prevent new veins from appearing and further injections may be required to maintain optimal results.
Who is a candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Healthy, adult, men and women between the ages of 30 and 60, who are looking to be rid of troublesome spider and varicose veins may be candidates for sclerotherapy. However, any patient who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or bedridden is not candidate for this procedure; patients that are pregnant must wait a minimum of three months before considering this treatment option.
Veins that may be needed for future surgical bypass procedures, such as the vein used for coronary artery bypass surgery, will not be treated, unless your doctor decides that it is unusable for such necessities. Your doctor will discuss any risks and eligibility with you during your initial consultation.
For more information regarding Vein Therapy Treatments..
Give Pura Vida MedSpa a call today to set up a consultation for a Vein Therapy treatment or any of their other non-invasive medical spa procedures. You can also request a Maryland Vein Therapy consultation online by clicking here.
