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How safe is sclerotherapy? Experts at a top Medical Spa answer your questions

Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment choice for dealing with varicose and spider veins. If you are considering sclerotherapy, it is understandable that you want to know exactly how safe the treatment is.

Well, sclerotherapy is considered to be a very safe treatment option. It is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery time. The entire procedure can be performed in the comfort of your doctor’s office. As anaesthesia is not required, it is a safer alternative to surgery and the risk of side effects and complications from sclerotherapy is minimal.

Choosing a highly qualified and board-certified physician will ensure that your treatment is carried out in the safest possible way. Our expert doctors at Evolution MedSpa Boston have extensive experience in performing sclerotherapy and can help you to get the dramatic results that you desire. They will discuss the procedure carefully with you during your initial consultation and talk through your medical history to ensure that the treatment is right for you.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment choice for spider and varicose veins.

So what exactly is sclerotherapy and how can you benefit from it? Sclerotherapy is a form of treatment whereby your doctor injects a solution (typically a salt solution) directly into your problematic vein(s). This solution causes irritation to the lining of your blood vessel, making it collapse. Your body then naturally eliminates the blood that was present in this vessel and the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into your surrounding tissue, causing any visible signs of the vein to vanish. Blood that travelled through that vein is rerouted to an alternative vein within 3-6 weeks.

Sclerotherapy is typically considered the treatment of choice for small to moderate varicose and spider veins. It is a highly effective, yet simple and painless procedure. So if you are tired of hiding your unsightly veins and are keen to start showing off your legs, then sclerotherapy can help you to do this.

What can I expect during my treatment?

Your sclerotherapy treatment appointment will be fairly short, typically lasting between 10 and 20 minutes.

During your procedure, your doctor will use very fine needles to inject the treatment solution into your bothersome veins. This is typically performed with the guidance of an ultrasound image to ensure accuracy, particularly if the treated vein is deep. The treatment agent used is known as a sclerosant and is typically a foam solution.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

The injection itself should not be painful at all. You may feel some slight discomfort after the injection, such as cramping or stinging around the treated area as the veins have been irritated but this should pass fairly quickly. You may also experience some slight redness or bruising around the injection site.

What can I expect after my treatment?

Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment choice for spider and varicose veins.

After your treatment has been carried out, your doctor will wrap your treated leg in a compression stocking. You will need to wear compression stockings for about 24-48 hours after your procedure. You will be able to resume your normal activities immediately after your treatment, but you may continue to experience some tenderness and/or bruising for a few days. Walking can actually help to speed up your recovery by improving your circulation.

While sclerotherapy is highly effective, patients who have a predisposition to developing spider and varicose veins may go on to develop new ones. Your doctor will discuss ways that you can prevent this from happening, including:

  • Wearing compression stockings regularly
  • Avoiding crossing your legs when sitting
  • Keeping active
  • Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes every day
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

You will obtain the best results from your treatment if you closely follow your doctor’s guidelines.

Am I a good candidate from Sclerotherapy Boston MA?

So how do you know if you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy? Suitable candidates for treatment include those:

  • With spider veins or small to moderate varicose veins
  • Who are aged between 30 and 60
  • With no prior history of blood clotting disorders
  • Who have not been pregnant or had a baby within the last 3 months

Are there any side effects to sclerotherapy?

The risk of side effects from sclerotherapy is minimal and any adverse effects that do occur are likely to be mild and short lived, disappearing within a few days. Patients often report itching or raised red areas around the injection site. Bruising may also be present for a few weeks after the procedure.

Other, less common, side effects have been associated with sclerotherapy, including:

  • Larger treated veins may take up to several months to dissolve and may appear hard and lumpy in the meantime
  • Brown lines or spots may occur around the treated area
  • New, very small blood vessels may develop around the treated site. These should disappear on their own within 3-12 months after treatment.

It is very important to ensure that your treatment is carried out by a highly qualified specialist as if the sclerosant is injected outside of a vein this can lead to scarring. An allergic reaction to the sclerosant itself is very rare, however, being treated by a board certified physician ensures that you are in the best possible hands to deal with such an eventuality.

How many sclerotherapy treatments will I need?

The results of your sclerotherapy will not be visible for around 3-6 weeks after treatment. Larger veins may take longer to be resolved, up to several months in some cases. Patients often require multiple treatments to achieve their desired results.

How much does sclerotherapy cost?

It is difficult to provide a definite answer to the question “how much does sclerotherapy cost?”. This is because the cost of treatment will vary depending on the size of the treated area, how many veins need treating and how many treatment sessions will be required to achieve your goal. At your initial consultation at Evolution MedSpa Boston, Drs. Cappiello can discuss how much your procedure will cost with you in more detail.

So, give Evolution MedSpa Boston a call today to book your initial consultation. Alternatively, you can book online. Our expert doctors can help to boost your confidence and get you showing off your legs once again!