Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat small spider veins and varicose veins. Small spider veins are only a cosmetic concern and do not cause a significant threat, while severe cases of varicose veins may lead to difficulties while walking, pain in the legs, and more.
Varicose veins or spider vein treatment is a simple procedure and can be done inside a doctor’s office. The treatment is quick and straightforward and does not require any surgical interventions. However, in severe cases, surgical veins removal may be suggested, but sclerotherapy is just fine in most cases.
What is a sclerotherapy treatment procedure?
The doctor injects a hypertonic saline solution directly into the affected vein in the procedure. The solution scars the vein and forces the blood to reroute into healthier veins. The affected vein later collapses and gets absorbed.
How long does it take to undergo a sclerotherapy treatment?
The duration of treatment depends upon the severity of the varicose veins and the number of veins you wish to treat. Treating simple spider veins may require 15 minutes, whereas large varicose veins may take 30 minutes.
Suppose a patient has multiple varicose veins in the legs and abdomen. Moreover, the veins are highly twisted; such a case may require one hour or more.
In some cases, the patients require several sclerotherapy sessions to treat complex varicose veins. Therefore, the exact duration of time needed for your varicose vein treatment can be determined after a complete examination.
How long do results last after sclerotherapy treatment?
The results obtained after sclerotherapy are permanent. As the solution injected also contains a sclerosant, it irritates the vessel’s walls and eventually leads to its collapse. After the vein has collapsed, no blood passes through it. Due to the absence of nourishment gets absorbed by the surrounding tissue and is not seen on the skin.
How long does it take to see results after sclerotherapy?
Usually, it takes anywhere between 3-12 weeks to see results after sclerotherapy. Till then, you will see twisted veins in your legs as the body needs some time to absorb the treated veins. Simple spider veins may take 3-4 weeks to disappear, while complex varicose veins may take three months. However, if a patient faces discomfort or difficulties due to varicose veins, they will observe relief immediately after the sclerotherapy.
What to do after sclerotherapy to get better results?
You may follow the following tips to get the best possible results:
- Wear compression stockings.
- Stay away from sunlight to avoid UV radiation.
- Exercise.
- Avoid excessive physical loss.
- Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.
