In either procedure, a chemical agent is injected into the diseased vein. It then breaks down and does not allow blood to flow back through the vein when the patient is standing or walking. This treatment takes five to 30 minutes. Patients may experience some discomfort such as cramping or a burning sensation. There is no need for anesthesia or an overnight stay. The treatment is painless and can be performed on any part of the body.
In a sclerotherapy procedure, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein, which irritates the lining. The treatment causes the vein to close and reroute blood to healthy veins. The process usually takes a single session, but sclerotherapy may take multiple sessions. Some patients experience a mild discomfort after the treatment.
Both sclerotherapy and laser treatment for varicose veins are effective and safe. Most patients can recover from this procedure within three to six weeks. Although the treatment is not without risks, it is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for a week after the procedure. For best results, a patient should wait at least twelve weeks before starting a new treatment.
If the sclerotherapy or laser treatment fails, sclerotherapy might be the better option. The downtime is relatively low. Some patients are allergic to the sclerosing chemical used during the procedure. Several treatments may be necessary before the final results are achieved. Depending on the severity of the condition, patients may need to wear compression stockings for a week following the procedure.
The sclerotherapy or laser for sclerotherapy for varicose veins is considered a safe and effective method for treating the condition. However, patients may need multiple sclerotherapy treatments to achieve their desired results. In addition, the procedure can take up to two hours per session. Both types of treatment require two to three sessions. After each session, patients must wear compression stockings.
Laser therapy is an option for treating varicose veins. The laser treatment delivers light energy to the affected vein. It targets hemoglobin in the blood vessel, which makes the blood clot and the vein shrink. The heat from the laser does not cause any damage to surrounding blood vessels and tissue. Generally, there is no downtime associated with sclerotherapy or laser for sclerotherapy for varicose-veins.
In sclerotherapy, a salt solution is injected directly into the vein. This treatment may cause a mild pain for the first day or two, but bruising is usually temporary and disappears after a few days. Afterward, the patient should avoid strenuous activity, such as running, for several days. Aside from that, there are no side effects associated with sclerotherapy.