Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure recommended for patients who have spider veins. Spider veins are smaller vessels that twist and turn. Like varicose veins, spider veins can also be seen through the skin as red, purple, or blue vessels.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of spider and varicose veins. These include family history, obesity, hormonal fluctuations, use of certain drugs like birth control pills, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Treating Spider Veins with Sclerotherapy
Both spider and varicose veins are harmless, but it may be time to seek medical care if there is inflammation, discoloration, or ulceration on the affected site and unexplained swelling or pain in the leg. This can indicate the formation of blood clots.
There are several ways to get rid of spider veins; sclerotherapy is one of them. It is a medical procedure that involves the injection of a solution directly into the vein, causing it to collapse, scar, and eventually, absorb and fade.
What to Expect
Prior to a vein procedure at Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville, you will have an initial consultation and assessment with a vascular specialist. Working with them will help you determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Patients who may not be a candidate for sclerotherapy include those who are pregnant, taking birth control pills, and have a history of blood clots.
During the procedure, the sclerosant, or the chemical solution, is injected directly into the vein through a fine needle. There is typically no severe pain, but there can be mild discomfort for a few minutes during this part of the treatment.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure which can be done in 15 to 30 minutes. Usually done in the doctor’s office, there are some restrictions following the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid any aerobic activity days after the procedure. There are also certain medications that should be avoided after sclerotherapy, such as aspirin and other NSAIDs.
There can be itchiness, redness, and bruising days after the procedure. These are common and usually resolve on their own.
If your varicose and spider veins are bothering you, our board-certified vascular surgeons can help. At Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville, we offer free vein screenings and assessment to help decide the most suitable vein treatment for you.
Request your free vein screening online, or call us at 865-588-8229 today to speak with someone about scheduling an appointment today.