At Reflections Skin and Laser in Cartersville, GA, varicose and spider veins can be treated in a variety of ways, but one we use most is called sclerotherapy. How does sclerotherapy work, and why do we need it at all?
About Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins and spider veins can be treated with sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive process. It simply involves injecting a solution into the offending veins, which will then close off in response. Your body will divert blood flow to other, healthy veins and gradually remove the disordered vein.
You can make an informed decision about your treatment, care, and recovery if you learn more about what causes these issues.
Varicose vs Spider Veins
Most varicose and spider veins are caused by faulty or weak valves along the vessel wall. Venous insufficiency is often the term used to describe this condition. It becomes difficult for blood to flow naturally up and out of your leg when the vein valves inside it begin to break. Rather than flow downward, gravity pulls the blood back up in the wrong direction, resulting in blood pooling within the affected veins.
The same problem causes varicose veins and spider veins. The reason is simply that bigger veins have bigger valves, so when they break they result in larger varicose veins. When smaller veins break, they become spider veins because their valves are smaller.
How Do Spider Veins and Varicose Veins Develop?
Spider veins and varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency. In the following paragraphs, we describe the factors involved in this problem:
Genetics
Studies have shown a significant link between genetics and spider veins. Most patients with varicose veins or spider veins come from families with one of these problems. There is, however, no clarity on how genetics plays a role in this. In spite of that, it is still believed that genetics may play an important role in causing venous insufficiency and thinning of vein walls.
Weight
The veins become pressurized by excess body weight. Weight is a factor in a lot of varicose or spider vein cases. As a result of extra weight, veins are put under additional pressure, impairing their function. A significant benefit of losing weight is that it reduces venous pressures and improves venous function, thus helping to reduce or slow the development of varicose and spider veins.
Hormones
Progesterone, a hormone, is strongly associated with vein health in women because it plays a large role in other aspects of female life. Several studies have shown that progesterone causes valve leaflets to soften and vein walls to become lax, which leads to leaky valves.
During your period and during the first trimester of pregnancy, you may experience this. Progesterone levels can be elevated by factors such as menopause, pregnancy, progestin-rich birth control, and hormone replacement therapy.
Lifestyle
Veins take deoxygenated blood back to the heart and lungs. Therefore, they must work against gravity, and standing or sitting for long hours may reduce venous circulation. Varicose or spider veins can develop in people who sit or stand for long periods of time at work.
Is it Time to Seek Treatment?
Varicose veins and spider veins exhibit different symptoms. You may not experience any health-related complications from spider veins since they are superficial. Advanced spider veins can produce symptoms of skin irritation, such as dry skin and itching. Many physical symptoms can accompany varicose veins.
Varicose veins commonly cause leg swelling, itching, heavy leg sensation, restless legs, skin discoloration, and burning or throbbing sensations within the lower legs. When the problem goes untreated, some people develop recurrent clotting or bleeding, and others develop ulcers around their ankles where the pressure from the venous back is most intense.
About Treatment
It can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to complete treatment. The amount of time it takes to inject a vein depends on different factors, such as the type of vein that is affected. Treatment targets only the affected veins, so it is minimally invasive. As soon as your doctor identifies the affected vein, a sclerosing solution will be injected into it, which eventually scars it down to a tiny cord, which your body will eliminate naturally and painlessly.
FAQs About Sclerotherapy
How Does It Work?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the broken veins, causing damage to the vein walls and scarring that eventually dissolves over a few weeks. As well as eliminating the broken veins, the primary goal of this treatment is to improve blood flow.
Is this Treatment Effective?
The success rate of sclerotherapy is over 90% when performed by a skilled provider. Nevertheless, vein disease is a chronic condition, and you will most likely develop additional broken veins over time that require additional treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment method for all patients. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor will tell you how many sessions you need.
When Should I Expect Results?
Depending on the individual, the results timeline will be different. When a large vein is affected, the results will typically take longer to show than when a smaller vein is affected. Within 3 to 6 weeks, you should start seeing significant results for varicose veins or spider veins. As the treated vein collapses, it will form a relatively solid cord that will dissolve over time.
What Medications Are Used For Treatment?
Sulfate of sodium and polidocanol are the most commonly used solutions for sclerotherapy. The injection causes inflammation of the vein lining, which leads to vein spasming, scarring, and eventual disappearance. It’s important to note that this is not painful at all.
Am I a Good Candidate?
When it comes to treating varicose and spider veins without surgery, sclerosing is the best option. This treatment can be used by both men and women, regardless of their skin tone. It is preferable to wait until 3 months after giving birth before seeking treatment if you have spider or varicose veins while pregnant. To determine whether you are a candidate for this treatment, a comprehensive consultation and diagnosis are required.
Benefits of Treatment
Getting rid of unwanted veins is the main benefit of this treatment, of course. However, if you have a choice of other options, why would you choose this treatment over the rest?
Long-Lasting Results
Most treatments take 60 to 90 minutes, but they last for a long time. If you have recurrence after a previous treatment like vein stripping, this treatment is very effective. Symptomatic and cosmetic improvements are provided by this treatment.
Minimally Invasive
Ultrasound-guided injection of foam sclerosing solution into the affected veins is a minimally invasive treatment. Ultrasound-guided treatment is highly effective and precise in comparison to other approaches. This is a time-tested treatment that has proven its worth and comes with virtually no downtime.
Fast Recovery
After this treatment, the patient is put into compression stockings and is able to walk immediately. The leg should be elevated for at least a few hours to speed up the recovery, but there is no need to make a significant change to your schedule. You won’t experience a lot of pain or have your daily routine significantly disrupted.
How Should I Prepare for Treatment?
As a general rule, you do not need to do any special preparation before treatment, but if you would like to minimize bruising, do not take aspirin, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen for 2 to 3 days prior to treatment. Avoid using lotion or ointment on your legs the day of the treatment.
How Do I Care for My Skin After Treatment?
A period of time will pass before the treatment starts showing results. If you want to recover faster after treatment, avoid vigorous activities for a few weeks. Wearing a stocking or bandage to help sustain compression on the affected areas may be recommended by your doctor.
In addition, be cautious about exposing the treated area to the sun, since it could result in the development of dark spots around the treated area. Protect the treated area if you’re going outside by applying sunscreen. (It’s a good idea to apply sunscreen on all exposed parts of the skin at all times.)
Contact Us to Learn More
When you are tired of trying home remedies without success, visit us at Reflections Skin and Laser in Cartersville, GA. With advanced technology, we successfully treat spider and varicose veins. It will be our pleasure to help you feel and look better!
