Whether to choose sclerotherapy or EVLT depends on the severity and location of your thread veins. Before making a decision, understand the differences between these procedures and what you should expect. You can expect minor discomfort during the procedure, and there may be some side effects. For the best results, you should avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen before the procedure. After sclerotherapy, you should wear compression stockings for several days. The sclerosing agent may leak into the surrounding tissue, so you should prepare for minor discomfort.
sclerotherapy
When considering the use of sclerotherapy for thread veins, you should consider the risks and benefits of both procedures. This treatment can relieve symptoms of vein disease, while improving your appearance. Most treatments are performed in a physician’s office, meaning you won’t have to spend any time in a hospital or go through an extended recovery period. Sclerotherapy can cause minor bruising or a red mark at the injection site, so it’s important to consult your doctor with any concerns.
Before you choose sclerotherapy or laser for thread veins, you should know that most insurance companies do not cover the cost of the treatment if the condition is purely cosmetic. However, certain insurers do cover sclerotherapy if you can prove medical necessity. For example, Medicare may cover the procedure if you can show that the condition is due to a medical condition and you cannot afford the treatment. If you’re pregnant or taking birth control pills, your doctor may cover the procedure. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you may need to submit a letter from your doctor explaining the treatment you’re having.
Both treatments have side effects, including discomfort. However, most people don’t have significant scarring following a sclerotherapy treatment. Compression stockings are generally worn for two weeks after the procedure to minimize the risk of blood clots. Depending on the severity of your condition, more than one session may be required. You’ll likely be required to go to a follow-up appointment four weeks after your treatment to monitor your progress.
In addition to reducing symptoms and reducing the appearance of thread veins, sclerotherapy may also be effective for treating hemorrhoids. While this treatment is less invasive than a surgical procedure, it doesn’t guarantee a permanent reduction in the size and appearance of the veins. Moreover, it may cause serious side effects like infection and bleeding. If you have any doubts about sclerotherapy, you should discuss it with your doctor before making a decision.
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of varicose veins. It works by sealing off the enlarged vein so that a healthier vein can take its place. Endovenous laser therapy is a much safer alternative to other treatments, including vein stripping surgery. The procedure involves a laser that targets the abnormal vein, preventing blood flow through it.
In the procedure, the doctor or interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter into the affected vein. Afterwards, a laser is inserted at the end of the catheter, which heats up the vein walls. When this happens, the vein closes, preventing blood flow. Once the vein is closed, circulation improves and the problem vein fades away. There have been reports of a 90% reduction in thread veins after the treatment.
EVLT is a minimally invasive procedure that may be suitable for some patients. After a consultation with a vascular surgeon, patients may undergo a venous ultrasound to determine if they have venous insufficiency. The vascular surgeon will then map the veins using ultrasound to pinpoint the areas for laser treatment. EVLT requires no general anesthesia, but patients may receive relaxation medications prior to the procedure.
Patients should avoid standing for long periods of time after treatment, as this may aggravate their condition. Afterwards, patients should avoid high impact physical activities and should refrain from air travel for a few days after the procedure. EVLT is safe for most people, but patients should wear compression stockings for at least two weeks. Additionally, patients should avoid prolonged standing and sitting. A few days following the procedure are required for healing.
The EVLT procedure can be done in a doctor’s office. The process is quick and easy and usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour. The procedure is painless, and patients are usually able to return to normal activities within a few days. After the procedure, patients are required to wear compression stockings for three to seven days. After a day or two, they can resume normal activities and return to work and other activities.
Preparation for sclerotherapy
A patient must follow the guidelines of their doctor regarding preparation before sclerotherapy or laser for spider and thread veins. In some cases, you will need multiple sessions to completely eliminate the vascular condition. To prepare for these treatments, you must make sure that your legs are dry and free of lotion. You will be required to wear compression stockings after the procedure to help minimize the appearance of your swollen veins. The process can also be painful and may leave bruising and marks on your legs.
A doctor will perform an initial consultation and physical examination, and will ask you about your current health status. Your physician may also ask you a number of questions about any vein treatments you’ve had before, such as recent illnesses and allergies. You’ll also be asked to list any medications you’re currently taking, including supplements. Some veins may require several injections. The doctor may recommend several treatments, each lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for spider veins and some small varicose veins. The treatment involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and cause blood to reroute through healthier veins. The treated vein then fades and disappears over time. Several treatments are necessary to get full results, but you should not delay treatment if you are pregnant. The risks of sclerotherapy are relatively low, and the procedure can be performed safely without causing serious complications.
Before undergoing sclerotherapy or laser for spider or thread veins, you should ask your doctor about other treatment options. The doctor may recommend compression therapy or other medications. Some insurance companies cover sclerotherapy, while others require patients to try other treatments before they can receive coverage for the procedure. If you’re looking for more permanent results, you may need to undergo surgical treatment instead.
While sclerotherapy or laser for spider and thread veins results are visible immediately, larger varicose veins take longer to disappear. Follow-up appointments are important. You’ll have to wait at least six weeks after treatment to make sure your skin is still healthy and free of complications. In addition, you will need to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks after the procedure to avoid any further complications.
Complications of sclerotherapy
The procedure can cause serious side effects. Hypertonic saline is not a preferred sclerosing agent. This substance is known to cause cutaneous ulceration and may even result in arterial injury. It is also possible to suffer cutaneous ulceration and dermal sloughing. This postoperative complication is reversible with careful injection technique and the use of a transilluminator.
Although pregnant women cannot undergo sclerotherapy, they are eligible for the procedure if they are not taking birth control pills. Patients should also know that there is a small risk of developing an infection. Infection with hypertonic saline is rare; however, it is possible for sclerotherapy to result in an allergic reaction. An ulcer can result in tissue death.
Although the risk of pulmonary embolism is low after sclerotherapy, it is not uncommon. This is due to an anatomical variation. Patients with sclerosant allergy are at a lower risk for developing this complication. A highly diluted sclerosant is less likely to cause DVT. The smaller the vein is, the lower the risk.
In addition to the local and regional complications, there are several systemic AE. These include cardiac toxicity, transient ischemic attacks, and vision disturbance. Patients should discuss their risks and outcomes with their physician before undergoing sclerotherapy. Despite the high success rate of sclerotherapy, this treatment can result in serious side effects. Some patients can even develop a TIA.
A common complication of sclerotherapy or laser treatment for thread veins is telangiectatic matting, a pink blush-like appearance of the skin caused by microscopic blood vessels. Matting may also be reduced with a surface laser treatment. Ultimately, however, matting is an inevitable side effect of sclerotherapy and is a potential complication.
One patient in a prospective, multicenter study of foam sclerotherapy for thread veins reported septicaemia after undergoing a procedure using the sclerotherapy solution. The patient, a 42-year-old woman, had an ST-elevation myocardial infarction after undergoing the procedure, which was most likely caused by Staphylococcus aureus.