
What's the Difference Between Varicose Vein Ablation and Sclerotherapy?
Varicose vein ablation and sclerotherapy involve slightly different methods to eliminate bulging veins. Here’s what you need to know about each procedure.
Sclerotherapy injections have been used for decades to treat varicose and spider veins successfully. Learn more about this simple, safe procedure.
Suppose your vein specialist recommends you undergo sclerotherapy to rid you of your varicose veins or spider veins. Naturally, you may want to learn what happens during the sclerotherapy injection procedure and whether the treatment will be successful.
Sclerotherapy has successfully been used to treat varicose and spider veins for many decades. In fact, modern sclerotherapy began in the 1940s. Today, it has clinical success rates of 80 to 90 percent. But it’s normal to be apprehensive before any procedure. To best prepare for your appointment and ease your mind, continue reading to learn what happens when you receive a sclerotherapy injection.
Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, sclerotherapy has become one of the most popular treatments for spider veins and smaller varicose veins. You won’t need a lengthy hospital stay, as this outpatient procedure can be performed at your vein doctor’s office and typically takes no more than an hour.
Two types of sclerosants are commonly used. One is a saline solution. The other is a foam sclerosant. Despite the technique, the procedure is similar for both. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after the procedure:
Pre-procedure: Your doctor may ask you to refrain from taking certain medications prior to the procedure. Avoid shaving or putting lotion on the affected area. You can eat your regular diet the night before, but drinking a lot of water is always a good idea.
During the procedure: You’ll lie on a table with your knees slightly bent. Because the needle that injects the sclerosant is so thin, you won’t need any anesthesia. You might feel slight stinging or cramping as the needle enters the vein, but it’ll soon pass.
The sclerosant irritates the vein walls, collapsing and sealing them. Your doctor may apply gentle pressure to ensure the solution reaches the entire affected vein. Blood from the treated vein will then divert to nearby healthy veins. Over time, the varicose vein or spider vein will disappear. Depending on how many veins need to be treated, several sessions may be required to treat all problematic veins.
Post-procedure: You can leave the appointment immediately and resume your daily activities with few restrictions. Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings to promote healing. While you should avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks, walking for as little as 20 minutes daily can help your healing process.
Complications. Rarely do complications result from sclerotherapy. Any bruising and discomfort should be minor and temporary. An allergic reaction to the sclerosant is also extremely rare.
Of course, if you experience any unusual or lingering symptoms, report them to your vein specialist. Otherwise, you can expect a successful and uneventful recovery from your sclerotherapy injection.
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) operates two full-service vein care centers in Austin, Texas. Both offices offer sclerotherapy and other cutting-edge techniques to eliminate varicose and spider veins within one brief office visit.
Aditya Gupta, MD, RPVI, DABVLM, is the lead physician for both offices. He is an experienced vein physician with board certification in Internal Medicine and Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Gupta draws on his years of experience and knowledge to develop a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Gupta or to speak with a representative, visit centerforvein.com.
Don't live near a Texas CVR vein clinic location? No problem! With over 100 vein clinic locations in 22 states and the District of Columbia, there's sure to be a CVR vein center near you. You may also schedule online at your convenience.
11111 Research Boulevard
Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78759
7900 Farm to Market Road 1826
Building 1, Suite 170
Austin, TX 78737