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What’s Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an injection treatment for varicose veins that can help with both the symptoms and the aesthetic issues of having achy, enlarged veins in the lower legs and elsewhere. According to the Mayo Clinic, varicose veins and spider veins are relatively common occurrences as people age. Sometimes, these twisted, swollen veins can occur in younger people as well. Varicose veins may cause the following appearance and symptoms:
- Veins that look enlarged, twisted, or swollen
- A burning or cramping feeling in your lower legs
- Achy or throbbing legs
- Itchy veins
- Signs of skin discoloration around these abnormal veins
If you have varicose veins — or smaller, less severe versions known as spider veins that may not cause symptoms yet — you may wish to have them removed or treated so that they shrink and become less noticeable or painful. Not everyone who was varicose veins experiences pain and aching, but some do. In either case, many people find these enlarged veins to be unattractive and distracting from their overall appearance. Don’t worry if this describes you: There are non-invasive ways to treat this issue here in Miami.
Why Is Sclerotherapy Better for Spider Veins?
Spider and varicose veins occur when a vein that transports blood back to the heart is damaged. The vein essentially traps pooling blood from returning to the heart, making it look enlarged like a swollen balloon. Often, veins like this do not pose a medical problem, but they can be very uncomfortable at other times. It’s best to treat spider veins before they enlarge, and using sclerotherapy can be a great, non-invasive solution for doing so.
HOW DOES SCLEROTHERAPY WORK?
Sclerotherapy in Miami simply involves an injection of a medication directly into the vein. Your medical professional will carefully give you a shot into the affected veins during your treatment session, and it will cause the vein to shrink back to normal size.
Who Benefits Most From Sclerotherapy?
Some people may not care about the appearance of spider and varicose veins, while others are greatly bothered by these small imperfections. Ideal candidates for sclerotherapy would be those experiencing uncomfortable symptoms from the bulging veins and those who are very bothered by the appearance of these veins. Women who have developed varicose veins due to pregnancy may wish to undergo sclerotherapy treatment as well.
How Long Does a Sclerotherapy Session Take?
With a qualified, experienced practitioner, each sclerotherapy session takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Your practitioner will speak with you beforehand and make sure you are aware of what will happen as well as how to care for your recovering veins at home. Sclerotherapy costs will vary depending on the practitioner and the number of sessions involved.
What Should I Expect Before, During, and After a Sclerotherapy Session?
It’s best to be mentally and physically prepared before any medical procedure, whether cosmetic or more invasive. Though sclerotherapy poses few risks, make sure you understand what will happen as well as how to care for yourself after the procedure.
- Before the procedure: Do your best to educate yourself about the basics of sclerotherapy and consider taking notes during your consultation with your practitioner.
- During the procedure: A sclerotherapy appointment is relatively simple. Your practitioner will review what you spoke about at your consultation, answer any pertinent questions, and then inject the sclerosing agent into the affected vein or veins. This solution will irritate the vein’s lining and cause it to swell. This may sound like it would make the veins more prominent, but it has the opposite effect. Over time, scar tissue is created, and the veins shrink back to their normal size.
- After the procedure: You may be given a handout or pamphlet that tells you how to care for the injection site and how to check for signs of infection. You should avoid certain medications such as anti-inflammatories, prednisone, and certain antibiotics both before and after the procedure, as they may reduce the effectiveness of sclerotherapy or cause unnecessary bleeding. Most doctors will be OK with the use of Tylenol, but be sure to confirm this with your practitioner.
GET IN TOUCH WITH ARVIV MEDICAL AESTHETICS IN MIAMI TODAY
Looking good shouldn’t be painful or expensive. If you have varicose or spider veins that you would like to reduce in size, consider sclerotherapy — a safe, effective treatment used for almost the last 100 years to treat these issues. Get in touch with Arviv Medical Aesthetics to discuss sclerotherapy in Miami cost as well as what you wish to improve about your appearance. We will help you determine the right cosmetic procedures and services that are right for your body. We look forward to serving you!
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Prices are subject to change and personalized prices will be provided upon consultation.
FAQ
No one wants them, but 20% of all adults get them at some point in their lives: varicose and spider veins. These veins often look like red, blue, or purple lines and may feel swollen or tender. While these veins are generally painless, they can be a source of discomfort and cosmetic concern for some people.
If you’re self-conscious about these bulging lines in your legs or ankles, you’ll be pleased to know that treatments are available to improve their appearance. Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular and effective varicose and spider vein treatments.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive medical procedure that involves injecting a special solution (sclerosing agent) into the veins using a very fine needle. This procedure’s most common sclerosing agents are Fibrovein (sodium tetradecyl sulfate, Sclerovein (polidocanol), chromate glycerin, and hypertonic saline.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. The procedure may take longer, depending on the size and number of veins. Once injected into the veins, the sclerosing agent causes an irritation that prompts the veins to shrink and disappear in due course.
What are the Different Types of Sclerotherapy?
There are three main types of sclerotherapy for spider veins available. They are:
- Liquid sclerotherapy
Liquid sclerotherapy is the most common type of sclerotherapy. This procedure involves the injection of a liquid sclerosing solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close off the vein. This type of sclerotherapy is effective at closing off small and medium-sized veins.
- Ultrasound sclerotherapy
Ultrasound sclerotherapy is a type of sclerotherapy that uses ultrasound imaging to guide the injection of the sclerosing solution directly into the vein. This allows the doctor to see the vein’s exact location and inject the solution accurately and precisely.
- Foam sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is a type of sclerotherapy that uses a foam sclerosing solution. The foam is injected into the vein, which irritates and closes off the walls. This type of sclerotherapy is more effective at treating larger veins than liquid sclerotherapy and ultrasound sclerotherapy.
Depending on the type of vein being treated, your doctor may recommend one of these three types of sclerotherapy. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each type with your doctor to determine which one is best for you.
Is Sclerotherapy Safe?
Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to treat varicose and spider veins. The procedure is minimally invasive and carries a low risk of side effects. The most common side effects are mild bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site.
What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site. You may also feel a burning sensation in the treated area. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
It typically takes several weeks to several months to see the full results of sclerotherapy. During this time, you may notice that the veins gradually fade away.
What Are the Benefits of Sclerotherapy?
One of the biggest advantages of sclerotherapy is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional vein removal procedures, sclerotherapy does not require any incisions or cuts. This makes the procedure much less painful and significantly reduces the risk of complications.
Another great benefit of sclerotherapy for spider veins is its affordability. Traditional vein removal procedures can be quite costly, whereas sclerotherapy is much more affordable and can be completed with just one session. Additionally, sclerotherapy is covered by most insurance plans, so patients don’t have to worry about high out-of-pocket costs.
Finally, sclerotherapy is a safe and reliable treatment option. It has an excellent safety record, with very few side effects. The most common side effect reported is bruising at the injection site, which should resolve within a few days. Additionally, sclerotherapy is not associated with any long-term health risks.
Schedule a Consultation for Spider Veins Treatment in Tampa Today
If you’re in Tampa, Miami, or Ocala and are considering sclerotherapy for spider veins, you should schedule an appointment with Arviv Medical Aesthetics. Our board-certified medical professionals have years of experience in vein treatments and are dedicated to providing the best treatment possible.
We use the latest sclerotherapy techniques to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. Besides sclerotherapy, we also offer laser treatment for varicose and spider veins, which takes only a few minutes and produces dramatic results.
Don’t let varicose and spider veins keep you from feeling confident in your own skin. With our state-of-the-art laser and sclerotherapy treatments, you can finally get rid of those embarrassing veins and feel more confident in your own skin.
Book an appointment with us today and get one step closer to healthier, happier veins.