How Sclerotherapy Can Help Treat Spider Veins

Spider veins are injured blood vessels that can be seen through the skin’s surface. Simply put, they are damaged veins that often appear on the legs. Not only do some people dislike how they look, but these veins may also cause mild discomfort. Thankfully, there are procedures to treat this condition. At El Paso Varicose Veins Laser Clinic, we offer an abundance of services that are proven to help vein care. 

Are you interested in sclerotherapy to treat your spider veins? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us online or call (915) 577-0121 to schedule an appointment.

What is Sclerotherapy? 

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for improving the appearance and mild discomfort of spider veins. The treatment is most effective when used in conjunction with endovenous laser therapy, which treats venous reflux, the root cause of spider veins.

How It Works

The procedure involves a chemical solution inserted directly into the spider vein. The solution works to cause the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, which stops the blood flow. As a result, the blood is rerouted into other healthier veins. The spider vein eventually collapses and then fades, typically within a few weeks of treatment.

Preparation 

When looking into sclerotherapy, you will speak with a vein doctor to discuss your cosmetic goals and to determine if sclerotherapy is the best approach for you. Your El Paso vascular surgeon will examine the veins you want to be treated and look for the possibility of more serious venous problems, such as venous reflux. Once any serious issues are addressed utilizing procedures such as EVLT, your doctor might suggest sclerotherapy to address the appearance of any spider veins.

You can expect an El Paso professional to ask about your medical history, and a vascular surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow before and after surgery. 

Downtime and Recovery 

The procedure, in which one session usually takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, may be done over a span of weeks or months apart. It is important to keep your legs active and walk around to prevent blood clotting in your legs after the procedure. Most patients can return to their normal activities on the same day. Additionally, a surgeon may advise you to wear compression socks on the treated veins.

Possible Side Effects 

Sclerotherapy is a quick and simple procedure, but like anything else, it can cause some side effects. Some temporary side effects may include:

• Stinging or pain at the site of injections 
• Swelling on the ankles or feet
• Muscle cramps 
• Brown lines or spots on the treated area 

These side effects are all minor and, should they become a cause of concern, can be looked at by your vascular surgeon if necessary.

Results 

Sclerotherapy is designed to create permanent changes in the appearance of the veins. As long as the cause of your spider veins is effectively treated, the area should not require future treatment. But with that being said, this treatment does not stop you from developing spider veins in other areas of your body in the future. Should other spider veins begin to form, they can be addressed with additional treatments and sessions. 

How to Prevent Further Damage 

Strengthening your vascular system and living a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing spider veins. To prevent spider veins, it is essential to practice the following:

• Regular exercise
• Eating a balanced diet (high in fiber, low in sodium)
• Maintaining a healthy weight 

It is also important to avoid wearing tight stockings or high heels or sitting or standing for long periods of time. 

Make An Appointment with Our El Paso Clinic Today  

Here at our El Paso laser clinic, we provide several services for all kinds of concerns. Whether you are looking to treat spider veins or need other kinds of vein care, we can help. Contact us online or call (915) 577-0121 today to learn more.