If you have spider veins and are considering getting sclerotherapy, there are several important things you should know before you have the procedure. Listed below are some of the most important aspects of this treatment. The Consultation, Side Effects, and Pain level are essential factors to consider. This article will discuss all of these aspects in detail. Then, you will be able to decide if sclerotherapy is right for you.
sclerotherapy
While sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for spider veins, it does not permanently eliminate them. It is a process that requires multiple treatment sessions, with the optimal results achieved after four to six sessions. Patients typically need to wear compression stockings for a few days after the procedure. Although sclerotherapy does not cause major side effects, there is the potential for allergic reactions and skin discoloration.
Patients experience minimal to no pain during the procedure. A topical numbing cream is applied to the injection site to minimize localized discomfort. A fine needle is used to inject the sclerosant, a solution that causes the vein to scar and collapse. This treatment takes about thirty minutes, depending on the size of the veins. Afterwards, patients are encouraged to walk or run to strengthen the legs and promote the cosmetic result.
Smaller veins usually respond to sclerotherapy within three to six weeks. Larger veins, however, may require up to four sessions. Results are temporary, though veins can reappear in some patients, so it is essential to follow-up for about a month after your treatment to ensure that the procedure was effective. If you have a lot of spider veins, a doctor may recommend several treatments, so that the treatment will be long-lasting.
People with blood clots in the legs or lungs may also be at risk for sclerotherapy. People with blood clots should discuss this risk with their doctor prior to the procedure. They may not be a good candidate for sclerotherapy. But if you’re a good candidate, sclerotherapy can help reduce the visible symptoms of spider veins and improve the appearance of the affected areas. It’s a less invasive method than traditional surgeries.
Side effects
Although sclerotherapy for spider veins is a highly effective treatment option, side effects are a concern. A clear liquid is injected into the vein, temporarily hiding the vein. However, the solution will cause inflammation and dark blue discoloration, and the vein may take weeks to heal. It is important to follow doctor’s instructions carefully to minimize these side effects. In addition to pain, the injection will also damage the vein walls.
Following treatment, patients should follow a strict regimen that includes wearing compression stockings. During these weeks, patients should avoid using certain types of lotion or medications on the area. Patients should not apply lotion to their legs before the treatment, and some may have bruising or a slight numbness. Some patients may also experience matting, which looks like a microscopic network of fine red veins.
The majority of patients experience mild side effects that are temporary and should fade within a few months. However, some people may experience more severe side effects such as bruising around the injection site or blood clot formation in the treated vein. While sclerotherapy for spider veins does not cause severe side effects, some patients may experience discomfort after the procedure or experience a bumpy appearance. The majority of these side effects will go away on their own within a few months.
Patients should be aware of the risks involved with sclerotherapy for spider veins. Although the procedure is relatively safe, there have been reports of severe adverse events (AE). These side effects include cutaneous necrosis, hyperpigmentation, matting, and pyoderma gangrenosum, which are common local side effects. Other serious side effects include necrotizing fasciitis, which can lead to amputation.
Consultation
For patients considering sclerotherapy for spider vein treatment, a free consultation is highly recommended. At the consultation, Dr. Yeary will answer any questions about the treatment and thoroughly examine the blood vessels of the legs. He will also discuss the benefits and risks of sclerotherapy and help patients make an informed decision about which treatment will best suit their needs. The consultation is often enough to determine whether sclerotherapy is right for you.
Before you schedule a consultation for sclerotherapy for spider venous reflux disease, it is crucial to avoid certain medications. While sclerotherapy is a painless procedure, you may experience some minor side effects. While most people experience bruising for days to weeks, the most common side effects are trapped blood, pigmentation, and matting. Your doctor will also explain how to prevent the side effects of the treatment, including the need to discontinue any over-the-counter or prescription medications. Although anti-inflammatory drugs are not typically affected by sclerotherapy, Tylenol should be avoided 48 to 72 hours before undergoing the procedure.
Patients should understand that sclerotherapy is not suitable for everyone and some patients may need additional tests before they can undergo the treatment. During a consultation, your doctor will examine the condition of your spider veins and assess whether you are a good candidate. A consultation is generally covered by insurance, but if you’re paying for it yourself, it will cost you $150. This procedure is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, circulation issues, or a history of pregnancy or childbirth.
A sclerotherapy consultation typically lasts three to six weeks for spider veins, but larger ones may require a longer period. A follow-up visit is recommended about a month after the procedure to see if additional injections are necessary. The results of the treatment can last up to eighty percent, although this depends on the severity of the condition. Consultation for sclerotherapy for spider veins may be required if you have new veins.
Pain level
There are two main types of sclerotherapy. One uses a chemical that is injected into the vein to destroy it. The damaged vein then begins to scar. This makes the vein no longer able to pump blood and the body naturally removes it. The other type uses a laser device inserted into larger portions of the spider vein. Laser therapy causes the vein to scar and prevent blood flow.
Patients may experience generalized aching during and after sclerotherapy, which can be easily managed with ibuprofen or Tylenol. However, if leg pain persists a week after the procedure, it may mean that something else is wrong. The pain could be a blood clot or a closed vein. If you experience significant pain or discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.
During the procedure, your provider may apply a solution to the affected area to dissolve the trapped blood. The solution may irritate the capillaries, which will collapse. Once the veins are no longer carrying blood, the body will replace them with harmless scar tissue. Ultimately, your provider will decide which treatment is best for your needs. You can ask for a consultation to determine which treatment is right for you.
If you’re concerned about the pain level after sclerotherapy for your spider veins, you can seek treatment at a reputable clinic. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is relatively easy and requires minimal recovery. It’s important to remember that you should avoid heavy physical activity for several days after the treatment, as you could experience swelling and bruising. However, you can reduce your discomfort by wearing stockings and compression socks.
Cost
The cost of sclerotherapy for spider veins depends on the location, number, and size of the spider veins that need treatment. In 2016, a single treatment of this type cost $360 on average. The cost can increase, however, if a person needs several treatments or has a large number of spider veins to treat. For example, if a patient has a large number of legs or arms, the procedure could cost more than one thousand dollars.
During sclerotherapy, a doctor will inject a solution that irritates the vein. This medication causes inflammation and scarring. The treatment takes an hour or less and will vary based on how many veins need to be treated. Some patients may need a second treatment, which will increase the cost even more. Patients who choose to undergo the treatment should be aware of these risks and consider the cost of the treatment before making a decision.
Insurance companies generally cover the initial consultation. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician. After examining your condition, the vein doctor will take pictures of your legs and send them to your insurer for prior authorization. The medical director of your insurer will review the doctor’s notes to decide whether the treatment is medically necessary. If your insurance plan does not cover the procedure, then you must contact a plastic surgeon who accepts the plan you’re interested in.
The cost of sclerotherapy for spider veins varies depending on the location, number of sessions, and size of the treatment area. Before you schedule the procedure, you will receive a detailed cost quote. Typically, a session costs $350 or more, depending on the severity of your spider veins. You may also be required to purchase compression stockings to wear afterward. Your doctor will discuss the fees associated with the procedure with you and your insurance carrier.