If you have varicose or spider veins, which look unsightly, you may want to talk to your doctor about sclerotherapy. While there are numerous treatments available for vein conditions, sclerotherapy is one of the most affordable and minimally invasive options. Before considering going for sclerotherapy Boise, here are five facts worth knowing.
- You may need to wait to see the results. Don’t expect miraculous changes with sclerotherapy. While you are possibly concerned about the appearance of spider and small varicose veins, it takes time for the body to shut down and eliminate the treated veins. Sclerotherapy involves using a special liquid, which is directly injected into the targeted veins. The process causes the veins to collapse, and blood is naturally rerouted through healthy veins.
- There is no downtime. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, so you will not need to stay back at the clinic or anesthesia to complete the session. You can return to your routine immediately after, although you may have to wear compression stockings or bandages for two weeks. Patients are usually encouraged to walk after sclerotherapy, which helps in preventing blood clots.
- You may need more than one session. Most patients require two or more sclerotherapy sessions to see desired results. It is not always possible to treat all veins in one session. While the collapsed vein will not reappear, you may have new varicose veins. If you have more prominent and swollen veins, you may need more sessions for each.
- Sclerotherapy is versatile. Sclerotherapy can be considered for spider veins and small varicose veins. If the vein is hard to spot through the skin surface, your vein doctor may consider using echo-sclerotherapy to complete the treatment. Some patients may benefit from laser treatments, and you can also discuss those options with your doctor.
- You need to follow care instructions. While you don’t require hospitalization and can start your routine, there are a few dos and don’ts to follow after sclerotherapy. Firstly, ensure that you don’t engage in extreme workouts for at least two weeks. Avoid sun exposure in the treated area, and if you have to step out, always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Use the compression stocking as recommended by your doctor.
Finally, make sure to follow the sessions, even if you see a significant difference after the first appointment. Your doctor will usually ask you to return for a second appointment for a routine checkup after completing all sessions.
