What Is Sclerotherapy and What Does the Process Involve?

If you have large varicose veins or thin superficial spider veins, you may want to consider having sclerotherapy. During this minimally invasive procedure, your Vascular Institute of Virginia doctor can use a solution to eliminate unsightly veins. Your doctor performs this procedure in the office, and it only takes about an hour.

Sclerotherapy Treats Varicose and Spider Veins

Many people want to eliminate these veins for aesthetic reasons. However, sometimes people want to have this treatment because they are experiencing discomfort and pain. For over 90 years, sclerotherapy treatments have been helping people eliminate their varicose and spider veins.

What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins To Develop?

Excess pressure on a vein close to the skin’s surface may cause it to become varicose. Spider veins are just a thinner variation of varicose veins.

Since the veins in the legs are consistently exposed to excessive amounts of pressure, this is the most common place varicose veins develop.

Sclerotherapy Procedure in Virginia

Before your sclerotherapy procedure at the Vascular Institute of Virginia, you may need to stop taking certain medications. You may also need to avoid shaving and using lotion on the areas your doctor is treating.

The needle your doctor uses to inject the solution into the vein is thin, so you probably won’t need anesthesia. During the procedure, you can expect the following:

1. You will lie down on the treatment table.
2. Before the procedure begins, your vein specialist cleans and sterilizes the injection site.
3. Using a fine needle, your doctor carefully injects a solution (sclerosant) into your varicose or spider vein. This solution works by irritating the vein’s wall, causing it to collapse and seal itself off.
4. As your doctor injects the sclerosant, you may feel a slight cramping or stinging sensation. These symptoms are short-lived.
5. To ensure the solution reaches every part of the varicose or spider vein, your doctor may need to apply pressure to the treatment area.

There are very few restrictions after sclerotherapy. However, you may be required to refrain from participating in strenuous activities for about 14 days. If you want to stay active, you can walk for about 20 minutes a day. Treated veins typically fade a few weeks after treatment.

Contact the Vascular Institute of Virginia To Schedule Your Appointment Today

To learn more about how sclerotherapy can eliminate your tiny spider and large varicose veins, contact the Vascular Institute of Virginia by calling 703-763-5224 or using our online request form. With offices in Fairfax, Woodbridge, and Fredericksburg, Virginia, our team is available to meet with you at the location that works best for you.