Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical therapy that is used to treat varicose and spider veins. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a solution called a sclerosant, directly into the damaged vein. This solution irritates the blood vessel causing it to shrink and then eventually collapse. When this happens, the damaged vein closes off and the blood is re-routed into other healthy veins. After time, the collapsed vein will fade away.
Many people find themselves needing to undergo sclerotherapy to treat spider veins. So in order to understand this procedure better, here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sclerotherapy in Melbourne.
What are spider veins and varicose veins?
Spider veins are a web-like cluster of small red or purple-colored veins that appear close to the surface of the skin. People may develop spider veins for various reasons, including extended time spent sitting still or hormonal changes.
Varicose veins are generally caused by faulty valves in the main superficial veins in the legs and can often be more painful. The vein swells and becomes engorged enough that they are visible. Both varicose veins and spider veins typically appear in the lower leg.
What happens if spider veins and varicose veins are left untreated?
Although they are typically non-life-threatening, spider veins have the potential to cause aches, pain, discomfort, or burning sensations in the affected area. However, many wish to get them treated for cosmetic reasons.
Varicose veins on the other hand, are often more painful than spider veins, and also have the potential to cause scarring of the skin and subsequent ulceration, resulting in ongoing chronic health issues.
Treatment for spider veins is usually only required if desired for cosmetic reasons, but varicose veins should be treated more urgently in cases of ulceration or severe skin discolouration or scarring.
Can anyone undergo sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is considered safe for most patients. Your doctor will go over your medical history and examine your veins to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment during your initial consultation. They will also discuss any medications, health conditions or allergies that you have. For most healthy patients, sclerotherapy is safe with only mild, short-term side-effects.
The only groups that are recommended to not undergo treatment include those who are pregnant or those with skin infections, history of deep vein thrombosis, or certain cardiac disorders.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Just like any other injection, the most you may feel is a slight prick when the needle is administered. However, the procedure itself does not typically require anesthesia as the delivery of the sclerosant solution is quite painless.
How long does sclerotherapy treatment take?
The procedure takes approximately 15-60 minutes, depending on how many veins need to be treated. Luckily, because it is a minimally invasive procedure, there is no recovery time afterward and you will be able to return to your regular routine immediately after the treatment. However, intense exercise should be avoided for a few days.
How many sessions of sclerotherapy are required?
This will vary from individual to individual, depending on the number of veins that need treatment. For mild cases, 1-2 sessions between 3-4 week intervals may be sufficient. Typically, 2-4 sessions are recommended for optimum results.
What Is The Recovery Time Following Sclerotherapy Treatment?
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. It is important that you don’t perform any strenuous exercise, but regular movement is recommended.
What sort of after-care instructions need to be followed after sclerotherapy?
It is recommended that patients wear compression garments following the sclerotherapy procedure. This helps minimize any bruising and speeds up the recovery process by maximizing the treatment results.
What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?
After the procedure, it's possible that you may have some minimal side effects such as bruising, itchiness, swelling, skin discoloration, or redness around the injection site. However, these side effects are mild and gradually subside within a few weeks. If the effects continue, always contact your doctor.
So if you are interested in pursuing sclerotherapy treatment in Melbourne, know that the treatment facilities provided by Doctor Adrian Ling focus exclusively on the treatment and removal of troublesome veins and related conditions. With his expertise and vast experience, you can rest easy knowing that you are in capable and caring hands. So stop searching for a ‘vascular surgeon near me’ and get in contact with Dr. Ling to proceed with your treatment today.
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