If you come into our Premier Surgical Vascular & Vein Center office for your small varicose veins, one of the treatment options we may offer is sclerotherapy.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment of choice for smaller varicose veins. It’s a non-surgical procedure that only requires an injection.
In sclerotherapy, an irritating solution called a sclerosant is injected into the diseased vein or lymph vessel. This solution irritates the vein, causing it to swell. This swelling action cuts off the blood flow and causes the vein or the lymph vessel to shrink.
What to expect during the procedure
Before the procedure begins, you’ll be asked to lay on your back with your legs slightly elevated. The area to be treated will be cleansed with alcohol before our Vein RN slowly inserts the needle with the solution.
There can be minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted into the vein. Some discomfort is normal but feeling a lot of pain is not. If you’re feeling so much pain, you have to inform your doctor as the solution may have leaked into the surrounding tissue.
Once the needle is withdrawn, your provider will secure a surgical tape on the area and massage it to disperse the solution.
After the procedure
You can walk after the procedure. It’s actually advisable to do this to prevent the formation of blood clots.
You’ll be asked to wear compression stockings or bandages for about two weeks to keep the compression on the treated area.
Although you can resume your normal activities, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for 2 weeks. You will also be advised to protect the treated site from sun exposure as it can cause dark spots on your skin.
Potential side effects
Sclerotherapy is generally a safe procedure. However, there are people who experience some side effects on the injection site. This includes:
- Bruising
- Raised red areas
- Darkened skin
- Minor skin sores
- Multiple tiny red blood vessels
Most of these side effects go away in days or weeks, although some side effects may take months to disappear.
Results
For smaller varicose veins, you can start seeing results in three to six weeks. However, it usually takes multiple treatments to achieve the result that you want.
Ready to end your discomfort from varicose veins? Request an appointment with Premier Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville and we’ll evaluate your vein condition. You may qualify for sclerotherapy treatment. Your first consultation with our dedicated Sclerotherapy RN is complimentary.
To request a free sclerotherapy appointment, call us at (865) 588-8229 or visit https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/sclero-appointment-request/