If you have spider veins or varicose veins, then you’ve probably tried all common advice before. But the fact of the matter is that wearing compression socks, elevating your legs at night, and not crossing your legs isn’t going to get rid of the veins you currently have – and it might not be enough to prevent superficial vein concerns in the future, either. Fortunately, at Revive Wellness Group in Perrysburg, OH and Gibsonburg, OH, we know that sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for your vein concerns.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that uses a special solution to shrink and eliminate unwanted spider veins and varicose veins in the legs. This treatment is incredibly common and the best alternative to laser vein ablation. As a non-surgical treatment, this injection-based therapy works with your body’s immune and lymphatic system to restore the smooth appearance of your legs.
Spider veins and varicose veins are generally benign conditions that cause the veins in your legs to be more visible. Spider veins look like web-like lines just beneath the surface of your skin, while varicose veins have a raised, knotted, or gnarled appearance. Neither condition is indicative of a serious health concern, although there are some conditions like pregnancy, anemia, or certain medications that may contribute to the development of these superficial vein concerns.
Where Can This Treatment Be Used?
This treatment is typically used on the lower legs around the calves. Most varicose veins develop on the back of the calves and just below the knee. However, this treatment can be used on most varicose and spider veins on the leg, including veins on the thighs. It’s important to mention all veins you would like to treat during your consultation.
What Should You Expect From Sclerotherapy?
Overall, this treatment is very simple. Most appointments will take less than an hour to complete. Sometimes, this therapy is guided by ultrasound for certain vein concerns; sometimes, this therapy does not need any guidance. The injections themselves will be very fast and comfortable. If you have anxiety about needles, then comfort options can be explored.
Most people will need at least two treatments per leg, particularly for very developed varicose and vein concerns. Your specific concerns may need additional treatments to achieve your desired aesthetic goals. During your treatment, the solution used on your affected veins may cause a tingling sensation, which will fade when the injections are complete.
Preparation
Because this treatment involves a minimally invasive technique, you may receive specific instructions about medications and supplements to avoid before your treatment. You may also be advised to avoid tobacco and alcohol products for at least 24 hours before your treatment.
The most important thing you can do to prepare for your treatment is to avoid applying lotion, oils, or other fragranced products to your legs. You should also not shave before your treatment. Ideally, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatment appointments.
Aftercare
While it’s encouraged that you remain lightly active following your treatment, you should avoid any strenuous activities, high-impact workouts, and other taxing activities. During the first week after your appointment, activities like yoga and walking are the most appropriate.
You will need to avoid other activities during your recovery period, including hot showers, hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, tanning beds, and hot compresses. Staying cool is key to your recovery. You should also be sure to wear any compression leggings or socks as directed to encourage faster healing; if you are wearing compression socks, you should not elevate your legs.
Results
How quickly you will be able to see your results will ultimately depend on the severity of your vein concerns. Those who have mild varicose or spider veins can see significant improvements in three to six weeks, while those who have larger or more severe veins may need up to three or four months to see results.
This therapy works by using a solution to irritate the walls of the affected vein. Over time, this irritation will cause the vein wall to collapse; at this point, your body’s immune system will work to absorb the collapsed vein and divert blood flow to a healthy nearby vein. This is why the size of the vein makes such a difference in how soon you will be able to see the results of your treatment.
How Long Do Results of Sclerotherapy Last?
In general, any vein treated with this therapy will produce long-lasting or even permanent results. In other words, a vein that is treated will go away forever. However, it’s also true that new veins may develop over time, so you may need another treatment several years down the line for new varicose or spider veins.
The best way to maintain the results of your treatment is to adopt healthier lifestyle habits that will prevent the formation of new superficial vein concerns. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough exercise, and drinking water are all keys. If you can, not sitting or standing for prolonged periods without movement can also be beneficial to prevent spider and varicose veins in the future.
Who Are Good Candidates
The best candidates for sclerotherapy include those who have mild to moderate varicose veins and spider veins on the legs. The only way to assess whether or not you are an ideal candidate for this treatment is to attend a consultation appointment and complete certain exams, such as an ultrasound. People with certain health concerns, including women who are pregnant, are not usually good candidates for this treatment.
Treat Varicose and Spider Veins Effectively
Dark or twisted veins on the legs can make anyone feel self-conscious about the appearance of their legs. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done at home to reduce the appearance of these superficial vein concerns. However, a treatment like sclerotherapy can easily and painlessly eliminate unwanted visible veins so your legs can be smooth and even-toned again. Most healthy people with no major health concerns or allergies are good candidates for this treatment.