fbpx

Sclerotherapy Procedure FAQs

Share This Post

Sunday, 20 August 2017

Sclerotherapy is a common spider vein treatment that is also sometimes used in the treatment of varicose veins. It’s the most popular procedure for spider veins, and patients experience excellent results after a series of simple treatments in our vein specialty practice. But just how does the sclerotherapy procedure work? We answer common questions we hear from patients like you in our Middle Georgia vein specialty practice located in Downtown Macon and Warner Robins, GA.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Sclerotherapy Procedure

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure performed to eliminate spider or varicose veins. During the sclerotherapy procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the problem veins. This solution causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein, ultimately causing it to collapse. Over time, the treated vein fades is absorbed and fades away enough to not be seen.

Learn How the New AccuVein Helps With Sclerotherapy Treatments

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Sclerotherapy Procedure?

In general, the sclerotherapy procedure is an excellent choice as long as you aren’t pregnant or have a history of blood clots in the treatment area. Most vein specialists prefer sclerotherapy for spider veins over laser treatments, particularly on the legs.

Who Shouldn’t Get Sclerotherapy?

A sclerotherapy procedure isn’t recommended if you have certain health conditions that may affect how the vein will respond to the sclerosing agent. If you have cardiovascular disease or had a heart bypass surgery, you aren’t a good candidate for treatment. This is especially true if you’re seeking treatment for spider veins, which is mostly a cosmetic concern. If you are pregnant or have a history of blood clots in the area, you also aren’t a good candidate for a sclerotherapy procedure. Furthermore, most vein specialists don’t use sclerotherapy for varicose veins very often, so if you have bulging varicose veins, you’re likely have a number of other treatments recommended to you.

How Is A Sclerotherapy Procedure Administered?

After cleansing the area, your provider will use a very fine needle to inject the solution into the affected vein(s). After treatment, you only need a small bandage applied, much like after receiving a vaccine.

Is There Any Pain With Sclerotherapy? Will Anesthesia Be Used?

A topical numbing agent may be used in patients but is not necessary. If you are allergic to topical anesthesia, you can still receive sclerotherapy without numbing.

What Areas On The Body Can Be Treated With Sclerotherapy Injections?

Sclerotherapy can be administered almost anywhere on the body as long as the veins aren’t very large, such as with advanced varicose veins.

What Results Should I Expect From A Sclerotherapy Treatment?

If you’ve ever seen the video above, or similar ones circulating social media, you’re likely excited at the prospect of spider veins vanishing right before your eyes. However, these videos are very misleading. We tell our patients to expect full results within three to six weeks. Slightly larger veins can take several months, and many patients require more than one treatment.

After your sclerotherapy procedure, the treated veins do not return. However, we will also discuss with you lifestyle changes to help you prevent new spider veins and varicose veins from forming.

Is Sclerotherapy Safe?

Sclerotherapy is considered safe for most patients. During your initial consultation, we will go over your medical history and examine your veins to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. This will include going over your medications, health conditions you’re currently being treated for, and any allergies you have. For most healthy patients, sclerotherapy is safe with only mild, short-term side-effects.

Who Will Perform My Sclerotherapy Procedure?

At Vein Specialists of the South and our sister practice Spa Medical, only vein specialists who are physicians, physician assistants, and nurses can perform a sclerotherapy procedure. Our practice is also a training facility, so our providers are not only experienced in treating patients, we teach others how to as well.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of A Sclerotherapy Treatment?

All medical treatments carry a certain degree of risks. However, side effects following a sclerotherapy procedure are generally very mild and well tolerated.

What Is The Recovery Time Following Sclerotherapy Injections?

One of the great things about a sclerotherapy procedure is that it carries no downtime. You will be able to immediately return to your regular routine. We even encourage you to continue your normal fitness routine, as it will help speed along recovery.

How Much Does Treatment Cost?

sclerotherapy procedure before and after photos

Sclerotherapy results after one treatment

Sclerotherapy cost varies from patient to patient. The cost to you will depend upon how much of the sclerosing solution is required to treat your visible veins. You may also require repeated treatments, which can also affect the cost. Also, as sclerotherapy for spider veins is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance will not cover it.

What Kind Of Aftercare Is Required Following Sclerotherapy Injections?

We will advise you to wear compression garments following your sclerotherapy procedure. This is to help speed up the healing process and improve your results. We have a wide selection of fashionable compression items, including a compression membership program to help you earn free and reduced price compression wear. It’s recommended that you purchase several items, as you will be wearing them for several weeks following your treatment.

A couple of weeks following your sclerotherapy treatment, you will return to our office for a follow-up to allow us to examine your results. This will also allow us to ensure you aren’t experience any rare, but more serious, complications.

What Is The Effectiveness Of A Sclerotherapy Procedure? What If It Didn’t Work?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the success rate of sclerotherapy remains steady at approximately 60 to 80 percent. In the 20 to 40 percent of cases where treatment doesn’t show full results after a single treatment, the sclerotherapy procedure can be repeated to improve your results.

How Does The Sclerotherapy Solution Work?

After the provider administers the sclerosing agent, it will damage and scar the inside lining of the vein. This process is painless, so you won’t feel any of it as the vein ultimately collapses. The vein will close and fade over a period of a few weeks to months.

Where Will My Sclerotherapy Be Performed?

We have two locations in Central Georgia. The first and original location is in Downtown Macon; the second is in Warner Robins, near Robins Air Force Base. Treatment is an in-office procedure, so you can have treatment in the same location where you had your consultation and evaluation.

Get Sclerotherapy In Macon Or Warner Robins, GA, At Vein Specialists Of The South

Dr. Kenneth Harper is the founder of Vein Specialists of the South and is a leader in comprehensive vein care. Since 2000, Dr. Harper has performed well over 6,000 vein removal procedures successfully. Our treatment facilities focus exclusively on the treatment and removal of troublesome veins and related conditions. With our expertise and vast experience, you can rest easy knowing that you are in capable and caring hands. Contact us for a consultation and get started on the path for more beautiful looking legs without unsightly varicose or spider veins.

Over 18,000 Procedures Performed

Dr. Kenneth Harper, founder of Vein Specialists of the South, has evaluated more than 22,000 patients and performed over 18,000 procedures since 2000. Dr. Harper is a leader in comprehensive vein care, having focused on diagnosis and treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and leg swelling since 1997.

BETTER VEINS.
BETTER LIFE.® PLAN

It’s just 3 easy steps…

Vein Specialists of the South Macon

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Vein Specialists of the South Macon

HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

Vein Specialists of the South Macon

ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

Vein Specialists of the South Macon

PATIENT REVIEWS

*Individual Results May Vary

5/5
Vein Specialists of the South Macon

More To Explore

  

Choose Your Location

Macon: 478-743-2472

Warner Robins: 478-743-2472

Locust Grove: 470-880-8346

Are embarrassing Varicose Veins keeping you from wearing shorts?

  • Understand the underlying cause of varicose veins.
  • Determine if your unsightly varicose veins could be more than a cosmetic concern.
  • Learn what to expect at your vein evaluation.
  • Choose the best treatment options to meet your needs.

Ready to learn how we can help you enjoy Better Veins for Life®?
Complete the information below to receive a FREE resource about varicose veins.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up for this content, you will receive a limited series of e-mails on this subject matter and how we can help.