Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that treats varicose veins - especially the most twisted and large. This procedure is used to treat spider veins as well. Sclerotherapy is also known as needle treatment or vein treatment since needles are used during the treatment. 

The treatment aims the most effective treatment for these affected veins through injection. The process doesn’t require to be performed under anesthesia. However, some patients may feel pain and discomfort slightly. 

In this article, we will learn about sclerotherapy with some details - advantages and various types of sclerotherapy, vein health in general, along with learning about the suitable candidates for vein therapy.

Advantages of Sclerotherapy

Some advantages of sclerotherapy are beneficial for patients who suffer from painful veins. Here is a mini list:

• Non-surgical Treatment: Sclerotherapy doesn’t require surgery since it is performed by needles.
• No Hospital Stay Required: Since sclerotherapy is a non-surgical vein treatment, the patients can return to their homes and continue their daily activities. However, resting on the first day would be a great option.
• Short Recovery Time: As mentioned, sclerotherapy doesn’t require surgical procedures. Therefore, recovery time is short when compared to the other treatments.

We can say that various advantages of sclerotherapy also can help with solving vein-related problems such as vein walls problems, venous insufficiency, spider veins, and more.

Types of Sclerotherapy

Different types of sclerotherapy are used for vein treatment, and the most known two are:

• Foam Sclerotherapy: Foam sclerotherapy is a procedure that aims to increase the effectiveness of foam-like material which allows vein walls to interact with the foam for a long time. It's generally used to treat large and deeper veins.
• Liquid Sclerotherapy: Liquid sclerotherapy is the most used type for the treatment. Its generally used to treat spider veins and small veins when compared to the larger and deeper ones. The liquid solution is injected through the affected vein areas.

Before the vein treatment, you need to consult a professional to discuss your problems, procedure, and possible side effects. Learning whether you would be an eligible patient or not will be decided during the pre-treatment stage.

The Sclerotherapy Procedures

The sclerotherapy procedures consist of different stages. It may seem difficult at first sight, however, all you need to do is follow your doctor’s instructions. Here are the sclerotherapy procedures:

• Preparation for the Treatment: You will lie down on the examination table and your doctor will help you to make your position suitable for the treatment. Then, the affected areas will be sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
• Treatment: With the help of the needle, the solution will be injected through the affected veins by the doctor or healthcare professional. You may feel a little bit of pain and discomfort during the injection. In some cases, compression may be applied to keep vein walls together, in one shape.
• Post-treatment: You may need to apply compression after the treatment, and following regular visits is essential to see progress.

Who is Eligible for a Sclerotherapy?

Generally, sclerotherapy is a treatment for those who have problems with veins. However, the eligible patients for sclerotherapy are mostly people who are between the ages of 30 and 60. Age plays an important role during the treatment. But also,  if you are pregnant or have problems with blood clotting, you are not eligible for sclerotherapy since it will create a risk for you.