Sclerotherapy is a quick, minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins.  As with any medical treatment, however, it can be difficult to decide whether it’s right for you.  Newark Vein and Vascular, LLC, is the only health center in the North Newark, New Jersey, area that offers vein treatments.  Here, our team of experts help you decide whether sclerotherapy treatment is right for you.

The Presence of Varicose or Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a procedure designed to treat varicose veins and spider veins.  These are both forms of venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when the muscle vein walls and vein valves are weakened or damaged.  It is most common in the legs but may appear in the arms or face as well.  If your condition matches the following descriptions, it might be time to talk to your doctor about sclerotherapy:

Varicose Veins

When venous valves are weakened, this causes the direction of blood flow to pool to your lower extremity. When the blood begins to pool to the bottom of your legs, the venous pressure causes the veins to twist and bulge, giving the veins in your legs a ropy-like appearance.  This common condition is called varicose veins.

Spider Veins

Spider veins, or telangiectasias can be a sign of vein disease or venous insufficiency.  They form in clusters on the surface of the skin giving a red, purple, or blue weblike appearance around the ankles, thighs, calves or even your face.  These unwanted spider veins are considered cosmetic and may causes few symptoms.

A doctor does medical procedure Sclerotherapy used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. An injection of a solution directly into the vein.

Experiencing Uncomfortable Symptoms

While patients don’t prefer the appearance, they may not feel the need to treat the condition.  After all, it doesn’t cause any discomfort.  Unlike spider veins, varicose veins come with some symptoms, which include:

    • Pain or itching
    • Bleeding from affected veins
    • Swelling or achiness in the legs or ankles
    • Heavy feelings in the legs
    • Nighttime leg cramps (Charlie horse)
    • Pain that lessens when legs are elevated
    • Restless legs

 

In extreme circumstances, varicose veins may even limit your activities.  If your condition causes you discomfort or prevents you from pursuing your normal lifestyle, it could be time for sclerotherapy.  Treatment will bring you relieve and allow you to return to the activities you enjoy without any pain or discomfort.

Need your Doctor’s Advice

Any of the above symptoms is a reason to be scheduled for a vein treatment evaluation.  As with any other condition, however, the most important decision-making factor is your doctor’s advice.  There are other temporary treatment options for venous diseases, including compression socks and symptom management strategies.  Your physician knows your health history and has years of experience planning treatments so they can help you decide whether sclerotherapy is the right option.

Temporary Side Effects from Sclerotherapy Treatment

    • Minimal bruising
    • Itching at the injection sites is common
    • Redness, tiny red blood vessels
    • Swelling

These are temporary effects after sclerotherapy treatment that typically resolve on their own within 1 to 3 weeks

Doctor in medical gloves injects sclerotherapy procedure on the legs of a woman against varicose veins, close-up, ozone therapy

What to Expect After Sclerotherapy Treatment

    • Avoid showering for the first 24hours
    • Refrain from strenuous exercise
    • Wear your compression stockings as recommended by your doctor
    • Walking is a key factor and will help improve your circulation

 

Get in touch with one of our experts

If you want more information before making your decision, contact us today.  Newark Vein and Vascular Center, LLC, has highly qualified team of experts who are always prepared to answer your questions.