Sclerotherapy is a procedure that treats unwanted or unsightly veins on the surface of the skin. Administered by injection, the sclerosing solution causes the vein to collapse, close and disappear from view.
Indications for Sclerotherapy
Visible spider veins and varicose veins can be a hereditary condition, or they may be related to your lifestyle. They can appear after pregnancy or weight gain, long periods of sitting or standing or use of certain medications. Hormonal shifts may also play a role in their formation. If you have unwanted spider veins or varicose veins on your legs or elsewhere, you may be a candidate for sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy Treatment
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that can be done without anesthesia. After performing an examination of your veins, symptoms and areas of concern, your dermatologist cleanses the skin with antiseptic.
Injections of sclerosing solution are administered at one inch intervals along unwanted veins. There may be as few as five and as many as 40 injections per sclerotherapy treatment. Most patients undergo two or more treatments, each approximately one month apart.
Recovery After Sclerotherapy
Your dermatologist may apply compression tape and cotton to the area(s) treated. A tight-fitting support garment may also be necessary for several days. You may experience some cramping, redness and bruising after the procedure.
The treated veins will become less apparent as they close and get covered by scar tissue. Sclerotherapy has risks, such as formation of blood clots in the vein, inflammation, allergic reaction or scarring, and the procedure does not prevent veins from appearing in the future.
To learn more about sclerotherapy and other cosmetic vein treatments in New York City, contact Sadick Dermatology to schedule a consultation.
