Sclerotherapy in
Columbus, Ohio
Feel confident in your skin with the help of Sclerotherapy
Webby spider veins and bulging varicose veins can leave you feeling less than confident in your own skin. Damaged veins can also cause physical discomfort, including swelling, pain, itching sensations, and more. Sclerotherapy can help you look and feel your best by collapsing troublesome veins to reduce their appearance and ease frustrating symptoms. It’s one of the many helpful vein treatment options we offer here in Columbus, Ohio.
What is Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy is a form of treatment for varicose veins and spider veins, most commonly found on the legs. A chemical solution is injected into the damaged vein, irritating it and causing it to collapse. Sclerotherapy can reduce the appearance of these veins as well as ease pain and swelling associated with varicose veins.
Varicose Veins
Veins feature small valves that open and close to help the blood flow towards the heart. Sometimes, these valves malfunction or stop working altogether, causing some blood to flow backwards and build up in the vein. As the blood pools, the vein stretches and enlarges, resulting in varicose veins. These veins appear as bulging, blue, rope-like veins beneath the skin’s surface, most often on the legs or feet.
Spider Veins
Smaller than varicose veins, spider veins are thin with a red or blue color. They’re visible just below the skin’s surface, typically on the legs or face. Spider veins don’t usually cause symptoms and their treatment is commonly for cosmetic purposes rather than medical.
About the Procedure – Sclerotherapy in Columbus, Ohio
During sclerotherapy, a tiny needle is used to inject the varicose vein or spider vein with a chemical solution called a sclerosant. The sclerosant irritates the damaged vein and causes it to collapse and scar. Blood is rerouted through healthy veins and the body eventually absorbs the collapsed vein.
Since the needle is so fine, the procedure is minimally invasive and virtually pain- free. Patients may feel temporary, slight discomfort if being treated for large varicose veins. For veins that are located deeper beneath the skin’s surface, an ultrasound imaging machine can be used to ensure precision while placing the needle and monitoring the injection.
Who qualifies for treatment?
Before your procedure, you’ll receive a consultation to ensure you are a good fit for sclerotherapy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will not be eligible for the procedure. For patients who have had a blood clot in the past, eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
How does sclerotherapy compare to other treatment options?
While sclerotherapy uses a chemical solution to close the vein, other treatment options use radiofrequency, laser energy, or a medical adhesive. Diseased veins can also be extracted via an incision. Sclerotherapy is far less invasive than surgery and causes little to no pain, making it a great choice for treating varicose and spider veins.
Sclerotherapy Results
Sclerotherapy treats problematic veins so you can look and feel great.
Benefits of treatment
After being treated with sclerotherapy, varicose veins and spider veins will fade away, typically within a few weeks. Sclerotherapy can also help reduce discomfort and pain caused by damaged veins.
How long before I see results?
Smaller veins, like spider veins, typically respond to treatment in a few weeks. Larger veins, like varicose veins, may take a few months to respond to treatment.
Side effects
Side effects, if any, are typically mild and temporary. These may include itching, raised red areas at the injection site, dark spots or lines, and bruising, among others. More serious complications are uncommon but possible. Your doctor will discuss possible side effects prior to your procedure.
Sclerotherapy Recovery
Following a sclerotherapy procedure, you will be able to walk around, drive yourself home, and resume your daily activities. To achieve the best possible results, there are steps you will need to take as well as actions you’ll need to avoid.
What to do
After treatment, you’ll be asked to wear compression stockings or wraps to keep pressure on the treated vessels. When washing the injection sites, use lukewarm water and mild soap.
What to avoid
For about 48 hours following your procedure, avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen and aspirin. Do not take hot baths or spend time in hot tubs, and stay out of whirlpools and saunas. Do not use hot compresses, and avoid direct exposure to sunlight. You may also be asked to temporarily refrain from vigorous exercise following treatment.