Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat spider veins, which are dilated blood vessels near the skin’s surface. This procedure offers several benefits, including:
- Restores circulation to healthier veins, rerouting blood flow from damaged blood vessels
- Improves leg appearance
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the veins to help them shrink. Once the solution is introduced, the blood vessels’ lining swells and clots the blood together. Over time, the vessels turn into scar tissue that eventually disappears.
What Conditions Does Sclerotherapy Treat?
Sclerotherapy is most frequently utilized to treat spider veins, which are small, damaged veins close to the surface of the skin. They often appear in red, blue, and black web-like patterns, most commonly on the face, chest, and legs. Although they are usually small blemishes, they can be painful to the touch and negatively impact blood flow.
What to Expect From Sclerotherapy Treatment
Prior to your sclerotherapy treatment, you will have a consultation with your provider at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers to discuss your symptoms and what to expect during and after the procedure. You may also be asked to stop taking blood thinners or any other medications that could increase your risk of bleeding.
During the procedure, your provider will inject the solution directly into your affected veins using a very fine needle. Most patients only experience minor discomfort, and the procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Following your sclerotherapy procedure, you may experience some mild swelling and bruising that will resolve in a few weeks. You may also be prescribed to wear compression stockings to facilitate the healing process. Normal activities may be resumed on the same day, and your physician will recommend that you walk to promote blood flow, but strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least two weeks.
