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Varicose veins most commonly appear on the legs and feet. These veins occur when small valves inside blood vessels stop working properly. Normal valves keep blood flowing upward toward the heart, but when they weaken, blood flows backward and pools in the vein. This insufficient pooling causes the blood vessel to stretch, bulge, and become visible beneath the skin. Here’s information on varicose veins and how many of them can be treated with sclerotherapy:
Addressing Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats smaller varicose veins and spider veins. During this process, a vascular specialist injects a liquid solution directly into the affected vein. This solution is known as a sclerosant, and sclerosants come in two forms: liquid and foam. A foam sclerotherapy is a variation of this technique that uses the foam sclerosant solution, but they are recommended only for varicose veins.
For foam solutions, the provider mixes the sclerosant with a small amount of air or gas to create a foam consistency. This foam expands to cover a larger surface area inside the vein walls once injected. Providers typically use the foam variation when treating larger or more complex underlying veins, as the expanded material displaces blood more effectively than a liquid. It also coats the inner vein walls more easily. Brands like Varithena offer an advanced agent solution for larger veins that begins as a liquid, but once injected, it becomes a foam.
No matter which solution method is used, the injected solution acts directly on the lining of the blood vessel. It irritates the internal walls of the vein, causing them to swell and stick together. This reaction effectively closes off the damaged vessel; once the vein is sealed, blood can no longer flow through it. The body automatically redirects blood flow to healthier veins nearby. Over several weeks or months, the closed vein turns into scar tissue, and the body naturally absorbs it until it fades from view.
Utilizing Ultrasounds for Precision
For veins situated deeper beneath the skin, providers often use ultrasound technology during the procedure to map out veins. An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to create live images of the internal structures of the leg, allowing the provider to monitor the injection. This visual guidance guides the provider to precisely deliver the solution to the target varicose vein. Here are some key steps of this therapy:
- During treatment, patients typically recline on an examination table.
- The provider cleanses the target area, and a local anesthetic may be used.
- Using guided imaging in some cases, the vascular specialist administers the injections.
A single session usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the number and size of the veins requiring attention. Recovery is generally straightforward. Patients are usually instructed to wear compression stockings for a period of time to maintain pressure on the treated veins. Walking is highly encouraged immediately after the procedure to promote healthy blood flow and prevent clots, but individuals should avoid strenuous exercise.
Benefitting Many Individuals
Sclerotherapy is not possible for everyone, so a medical consultation is necessary to determine candidacy. Good candidates for therapy are typically healthy adults who experience discomfort, swelling, or aching from their varicose veins. Those seeking to address the visual appearance of spider veins may also want this option. This therapy can improve varicose veins and underlying vascular conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart.
Addressing CVI typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical therapies, and, in severe cases, minimally invasive procedures to alleviate symptoms and improve blood circulation. Sclerotherapy treatment can improve CVI by addressing the root cause of the condition: the damaged or dysfunctional veins. By sealing off these defective veins, sclerotherapy reduces the pressure and strain on the venous system.
Schedule a Sclerotherapy Consultation
When varicose veins occur, sclerotherapy is a direct, minimally invasive treatment option. The procedure offers benefits like precise results and pain relief. If you’re interested in learning more about sclerotherapy and other treatment options, reach out to a vein specialist. They will review your full medical history, and they will determine if this procedure is appropriate for you.
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