Treat Varicose Veins with Foam Sclerotherapy

There’s no need to suffer from varicose veins any longer! Foam sclerotherapy is a quick, easy treatment that can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins and make you look and feel better. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment and how it can help you get your life back.

 

 

What is a varicose vein, and what causes it to form?

Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. They are mostly formed in the legs and ankles. They usually result from exhausted valves in the veins that allow blood to flow backward and pool. This condition, called venous insufficiency, happens when the walls and valves of the veins weaken or are damaged. 

Many things can weaken or damage vein walls and valves, including: 

• Aging 
• Pregnancy 
• Being overweight 
• Standing or sitting for long periods 
• Heredity 
• Trauma (such as a leg injury)

 

Symptoms of varicose veins can include: 

• Aching or cramping pain in your legs 
• Heaviness or tiredness in your legs 
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs 
• Itching around one or more of your veins 
• Restless legs syndrome 

Bleeding from varicose veins usually only happens if you have an injury to the skin overlying the vein. If this happens, you should see your doctor right away because there is a risk that you could develop a severe infection. Treatment for varicose veins can involve lifestyle changes, self-care measures, medical procedures, or surgery. Surgery is usually only considered if conservative measures haven’t helped or if the varicose veins are causing severe problems such as ulcers.

 

Ask our online dermatologist about your veins or anything else.

 

How does foam sclerotherapy treatments work?

In the case of foam sclerotherapy treatments, a foamed solution is injected into the varicose vein, which destroys the vein wall. This helps redirect the blood flow to healthier veins. The treated area might feel uncomfortable for some time after the treatment, but eventually, the pain subsides. Older people are more likely to suffer from varicose veins because, with age, the valves in veins become weak and do not function properly anymore. Women are also more prone to developing varicose veins due to pregnancy and changes in hormone levels. Those with a history of blood clots or skin infections should not opt for this treatment. The best candidates for foam sclerotherapy treatment are those with small varicose and spider veins. Treatment usually requires multiple sessions for the complete eradication of the problem. It is a minimally invasive procedure with few side effects and high success rates.

 

What are the risks and potential side effects?

While most people experience little to no side effects from foam sclerotherapy, some potential risks are associated with the treatment. The most common side effect is discomfort during the injection, which can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication. There is also a risk of bruising and swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days.

In rare cases, foam sclerotherapy can cause more severe side effects, such as blood clots or allergic reactions. However, these risks can be minimized by working with an experienced and qualified practitioner. Foam sclerotherapy is the safest and one of the most effective treatments for varicose veins, with minimal risks and side effects.

Ask our online dermatologist about your veins or anything else.

 

How long does the average foam sclerotherapy treatment session last?

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treating varicose veins. The average foam sclerotherapy treatment session lasts about 30 minutes, and most patients require 3-6 sessions for optimal results. The number of sessions needed will vary depending on the size and severity of the varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a procedure with minimal downtime. It is essential to consult with a board-certified vascular surgeon to determine if sclerotherapy is right for you.

 

Do patients need to follow any special instructions after their session(s)?

Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy. However, it would help if you kept a few simple things in mind to ensure the best results:

1. Avoid excessive and strenuous activity for 24 hours after your treatment. This will help to prevent bruising and swelling.
2. Avoid sunlight or UV light exposure for at least 48 hours. This includes sun tanning and using tanning beds.
3. Make sure to wear compression stockings as directed by your doctor.

These will help to reduce swelling and improve the results of your treatment. By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that you get the most out of your sclerotherapy treatment.

Ask our online dermatologist about your veins or anything else.

 

How much does it cost, and is it covered by insurance?

A typical foam sclerotherapy treatment ranges from $250 to $500. Insurance plans do not typically cover the procedure, but some providers may offer a discount for patients who pay out of pocket. While treatment can be expensive, many patients find the results worthwhile.

 

Conclusion

Varicose veins can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort. If you’re looking for an effective treatment that doesn’t require surgery, foam sclerotherapy may be the right choice. This procedure is performed by a dermatologist and involves injecting a solution into the vein using a small needle.

The solution causes the vein to collapse and disappear. Most people experience little or no discomfort during or after the procedure. If you’re considering foam sclerotherapy, consult a qualified dermatologist first to see if it’s the proper treatment for you.

 

References

1. de Ávila Oliveira, R., Riera, R., Vasconcelos, V., & Baptista-Silva, J. C. (2021). Injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001732.pub3
2. Khunger, N., & Sacchidanand, S. (2011). Standard guidelines for care: Sclerotherapy in dermatology. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, 77(2), 222. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.77478