Are you bothered by the tiny markings spreading across the back of your calves, legs, and other portions of your feet? If you are, then at one point or another you may have considered getting treatment for those hideous spider veins. There are currently a number of ways to get rid of spider veins and among the most popular ones is sclerotherapy.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is one of the many medical treatment options for getting rid of spider veins and has been practiced and performed by specialists since year 1930. The procedure is done by the introduction of a chemical solution (through injection) into the surface of the vein, which will cause the inner linings to become irritated, swelled up, thereby leading to a blood clot. The vessel will gradually turn into scar tissue, until it finally disappears.

Img: sclerotherapy, source

Who can undergo sclerotherapy treatment?

Since sclerotherapy is a medical procedure, a series of tests has to be done before one can be subjected to treatment. Safety is a primary concern, so your dermatologist should first rule out all contraindicated conditions before starting with the procedure. Patients who are pregnant should not undergo sclerotherapy. Those who also have the likelihood of undergoing a heart bypass surgery wherein some veins might be usable will also be discouraged to undergo this treatment procedure.

The procedure

As earlier mentioned, sclerotherapy is done by injecting a salt solution into the vein in order for it to swell and eventually clot. To do this, a fine needle is used in introducing the solution to the vein. Patient may feel some mild discomfort 1-2 minutes after the solution has been injected. The entire process usually takes no more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Pre-treatment measures

Just as in any other treatment procedure, patients who are about to undergo sclerotherapy must take note of certain precautions. The following are some do’s and don’ts prior to a sclerotherapy treatment:

• Don’t apply lotion on the area that is to be treated
• Refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory drugs
• Discuss with your doctor the effects of antibiotic medications on your forthcoming treatment
• Ask your doctor for a list of contraindicated supplements, drugs, and the like

Side effects of sclerotherapy

Common side effects of sclerotherapy may include bruising around the area, mild itching, and protuberant redness at the targeted area which should disappear from few days to a few weeks. Other side effects may include:

• Hardening and bulging larger veins which might disappear only after a handful of months
• Appearance of brown markings such as lines or spots on the area (may or may not disappear)
• The appearance of new, tiny blood vessels which can be found at the site where sclerotherapy was performed. This occurrence is referred to as neovascularization which may be experienced by the patient few weeks after sclerotherapy was performed. However, tiny veins should gradually fade after 12 months at most.

After sclerotherapy

The patient’s condition after the procedure should be normal; he should be able to drive home without difficulty, and ambulation should be without any hindrance. Walking exercises are, as a matter of fact, recommended.

About the Author: Cedric Loiselle is a passionate writer who consistently provides helpful information about health, beauty, and fitness. He recommends Southern Vein and Laser Institute as the best provider of sclerotherapy New Orleans has to offer.