Sclerotherapy is a procedure which is used to eliminate the varicose veins also known as spider veins. If you want to go for this procedure you will have to go for the initial consultation with the sclerotherapy specialist who will advise you whether you are eligible for sclerotherapy or not.
Who are not eligible for Sclerotherapy?
Women who are pregnant and bedridden should not go for this procedure. Also the people who had a blood clot in the past will have to consult their doctor prior to this procedure.
Veins that may require help in the heart bypass procedures are also not considered for sclerotherapy process.
How sclerotherapy is performed?
Through a very fine needle, sclerosing solution is injected in the veins. At the time of injection, the patient have undergo some sort of discomfort and even cramping for about one to two minutes and even more if the vein is larger. The whole procedure takes around 15-30 minutes depending on the number of veins.
The number of injections and the sessions may vary on the size as well as location of the veins. The general medical condition of the patient is also considered.
Pre-Therapy Precautions
Usually before the sclerotherapy, the doctor advises to avoid some kind of medicines like tetracycline which is an antibiotic. This medicine should be avoided at least 7 to 10 days before the sclerotherapy.
Also some physicians recommend taking ibuprofen, aspirin or other inflammatory medicines as it minimizes the bruising.
Before you come for the procedure, it is recommended to wear shorts and to avoid any sort of cream and lotion on the legs especially on the areas which is to be injected.
Are there any side effects of sclerotherapy?
There are some side effects of sclerotherapy like itching which may last for one to two days after the procedure is performed. Also the skin may get a little raised on the injected area as well as there may be some red areas which will disappear in few days. Sometimes bruising may occur as well but it is also temporary.
Post Treatment Precautions
There are few things that you should avoid for almost 2 days after the treatment; few of these things are as under:
- Direct exposure to sunlight
- Hot compressors
- Hot baths
- Saunas or whirlpools
You can take the shower but it is recommended to bath with lukewarm water and the areas where the treatment has been performed should be washed with mild soap ad tepid water.
How effective is Sclerotherapy?
According to the studies and sclerotherapy sessions, almost 50 to 80 percent of the injected veins may get eliminated. There are almost less than 10 percent people who do not respond to the injections at all.
The spider veins usually respond in three to six weeks while the larger veins will respond in three to four months. Some patients have found that these varicose veins do not reappear while some patients have found that these veins reappear and they have to get the injections again.
Is Sclerotherapy covered in Insurance?
If the varicose veins are causing chronic pain and swelling then there are some insurance companies who will cover the treatment but if you are pursuing the treatment for cosmetic purposes then there is most likelihood that the insurance company will not cover it. Your insurance company may request for a letter from your doctor regarding the nature of your treatment for covering the insurance.
