If you have varicose or spider veins, you may want to try a solution called sclerotherapy. This treatment is an outpatient procedure that is virtually painless and treats veins just beneath the surface of the skin with a small needle that injects a saline mixture. The treated vein becomes irritated, sticky, and seals shut, allowing for it to disappear as blood diverts to other healthy veins.
Treatment sessions typically run about 15 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the vein. Because multiple sessions are often needed, you can expect the entire procedure to take a few weeks, depending on the area receiving the treatment. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your appointments.
Give your doctor your entire medical history and current medications list.
In order to safely perform the treatment, your doctor will give you a physical examination that involves examining the specific veins and gaining insight into your past and present medical history. Based on the exam, a doctor may choose to not operate on a vein if it can potentially be used for future heart bypass surgeries. The medical history portion may involve disclosing recent illnesses, medications, allergies, smoking preference, and previous vein treatments.
If you take aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinners, antibiotics, or birth control, your doctor may ask you to decrease their usage or stop using them altogether for a certain amount of time in order to reduce chances of bleeding or blood clots.
Ask the doctor about what to expect during and after the procedure.
Each person is different, so the best way to understand the recovery and the timespan of the treatment is to ask. The doctor will take photos of your legs before and after to keep track of your progress. The photos can also be used determine the amount of treatment that will be needed so that the two of you can come up with a treatment plan and schedule.
Additionally, your doctor can help you understand your risks and expectations for discomfort and the experience of bruising, tenderness, and swelling after a treatment. While these are normal reactions, your doctor may prescribe medication in order to help you deal with them.
Stay calm and comfortable.
24 hours prior to the sclerotherapy, avoid caffeine so that your nerves can easily be calmed. Also, do not shave or apply lotion to your legs.
Before the procedure date, you should shop for compression stockings. These ought to be the right size and comfortable because they will be used immediately after the treatment and about 1-2 weeks post-treatment.
Wear loose-fitting, casual clothing to the appointment, and consider wearing shorts to help expose the legs more easily. Doctors will keep track of your vitals, provide you with pillows and blankets, and will allow you to listen to your own music in the effort of keeping you calm, cool, and collected during the entire sclerotherapy procedure.
