Sclerotherapy before and after (include pics)
A doctor can perform sclerotherapy in the office without anesthesia. Most people are able to complete it in less than an hour.
During the procedure
Your legs will be elevated slightly as you lie on your back for the procedure. A fine needle will be used to slowly inject a solution into the vein after your doctor cleans the area to be treated with alcohol.
By irritating the vein lining, a liquid solution blocks the flow of blood by swelling the vein shut. An anesthetic called lidocaine is contained in some solutions.
Scar tissue will eventually replace the vein. The solution can sometimes be applied as a foam, especially when a large vein is involved. Liquids cover a smaller surface area than foam.
The needle may cause slight stinging or cramping when inserted into the vein. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if you are in pain. Leaking solution from the vein can cause pain in surrounding tissues.
In order to keep blood out of the injected vessel and disperse the solution, compression and massage are applied once the needle has been withdrawn. While your doctor moves on to the next vein, a compression pad may be taped onto the injection site.
Depending on the number and size of veins to be treated, there will be a different number of injections.
After the procedure
The procedure will be over soon enough for you to get up and walk around. Blood clots can be prevented by walking and moving your legs.
A compression stocking or bandage will be worn over the treated veins for about two weeks.
The procedure typically leaves you feeling fine the following day, but it might be wise to have someone drive you home afterward. In the two weeks following the procedure, your doctor may advise you not to engage in strenuous activities.
The treated areas should also be protected from the sun during that time. Dark spots on your skin can be caused by inflammation caused by injections and sun exposure, especially if your skin is dark already.
Results
Usually, you will see definitive results within three to six weeks if you were treated for small varicose veins or spider veins. Three to four months may be required for larger veins. To achieve the results you desire, you may need multiple treatments.
There is a possibility of new veins appearing after treatment, but veins that have responded to treatment usually don’t come back.
Approximately a month after the procedure, your doctor will follow up with you to determine how well the procedure worked and whether you need more sessions. Before undergoing another session of sclerotherapy, you should wait about six weeks.
Sclerotherapy price
Sclerotherapy is used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. The cost of sclerotherapy is largely dependent on the type of treatment you choose and the extent of the treatment. Treatment costs vary depending on the type of treatment you choose, the location of the treatment, and the physician performing the procedure.
Generally, sclerotherapy costs between $500 and $1,500 per treatment session. Some of the cost is due to the doctor’s fee, other costs are due to the anesthesia, and the cost of the sclerosing agent itself. Some clinics offer package deals which can reduce the cost per treatment session.
Sclerotherapy is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with it. These include bruising, bleeding, and infection. In rare cases, scarring may occur.
Insurance coverage for sclerotherapy
If sclerotherapy is performed for cosmetic reasons, it is usually not covered by insurance. The procedure may be covered by your insurance if you have medical symptoms related to varicose veins.
A prescription compression sock may be required by your insurance company before treating your condition. In the event that this fails, coverage may still be available to you.
Providing Medicare with medical records will enable you to prove the procedure isn’t only cosmetic, in order to get Medicare coverage.
Sclerotherapy Side effects
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment, and generally safe. The treatment typically lasts from one to three weeks and can be repeated as necessary. It is a great option for people who are dealing with spider veins or varicose veins or for those who want to look good and improve their quality of life. However, there are side effects from this treatment. If you have had sclerotherapy, or are considering this procedure, read the article to find out about the potential side effects of this treatment.
Sclerotherapy – as a surgical intervention – is a popular treatment option for both varicose veins and spider veins. While it is generally safe, there are some potential side effects. These include: pain, bruising, swelling, and redness. In some cases, you may also experience itching or burning. Rarely, sclerotherapy can cause skin ulcers or blood clots. If you develop any side effects from the following list, be sure to let your doctor know.
Bruising
Sclerotherapy is generally safe, it can cause some minor side effects, such as bruising. Bruising typically occurs around the injection site and may last for a few days. In rare cases, bruising may occur elsewhere on the body. While we can’t completely avoid bruising after sclerotherapy, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk.
Stinging
One of the most common side effects of sclerotherapy procedure is stinging or burning sensation following the treatment. This sensation is usually temporary and goes away within a few hours or days. In rare cases, the stinging sensation can last for weeks or even months.
There are several possible causes of the stinging sensation after sclerotherapy. One possibility is that the treatment causes some inflammation in the veins. This inflammation can lead to a burning or stinging sensation. Another possibility is that the sclerotherapy solution causes irritation or damage to the skin and nerves around the veins. This can also lead to a burning or stinging sensation.
Swelling
Swelling is a common side effect of the treatment. The swelling typically occurs in the leg that was treated and can last for several weeks. The swelling can be localized to the area where the injection was given, or it may be more widespread. It may last for a few hours or a few days, depending on the individual. Some people find that the swelling makes them feel uncomfortable or even painful.
There is no definitive answer as to why some people experience swelling after sclerotherapy and others don’t, but it is thought to be due to the body’s natural response to injury. The good news is that this side effect is usually temporary and goes away on its own. There are several things that you can do to help reduce the swelling.
One of the best ways to reduce swelling is to elevate your leg. You can do this by placing a pillow or cushion under your leg when you are sitting or lying down. You are also advised to wear compression stockings after your treatment. These stockings help to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
Another thing that you can do is drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush out the toxins that were released during the treatment. You should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as these can also cause swelling.
Skin discoloration
One of these side effects is skin discoloration. In some cases, the skin may become darker after sclerotherapy. This discoloration may be temporary or permanent. If it is temporary, it will usually fade within a few weeks or months. If it is permanent, then there may be some options available for treating it. If you experience skin discoloration after sclerotherapy, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Raised red areas
Raised red areas after sclerotherapy are a common side effect of the procedure. The good news is that they usually go away within a few weeks. In some cases, they may last a little longer. There are a few things you can do to help them fade more quickly.
One of the main causes of raised red areas after sclerotherapy is inflammation. This can be caused by the injection itself or from the compression stockings you’re likely to be wearing afterward. The best way to reduce inflammation is to keep your legs elevated as much as possible. This will help blood flow and reduce swelling.
You can also apply ice packs to your legs for about 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will help reduce inflammation and pain.
Allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent
As you know, during sclerotherapy, a sclerosing agent is injected into the vein, which causes it to collapse and disappear. While sclerosing agents are safe and effective, there are some potential side effects associated with them.
One common side effect is an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent. An allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild irritation and itching to more serious reactions such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after having sclerotherapy, seek medical attention right away.
While more serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis to the sclerosing agent are rare, they can occur. Consult your surgeon before opting for sclerotherapy.
Skin ulceration around the injection site
Skin ulceration around the injection site is a common side effect of sclerotherapy. It is thought to be caused by the injection of the sclerosant agent into the vessel. The incidence of skin ulceration increases with the number of treatments and the concentration of the sclerosant. Treatment with a lower concentration sclerosant may be less likely to cause skin ulceration. Lesions should be monitored and treated if necessary. The use of a microfoam formulation may decrease the incidence of skin ulceration.
Blood clots in the treated veins
Blood clots in the treated veins are a rare but potential side effect of sclerotherapy. While sclerotherapy is generally a safe procedure, it can occasionally cause blood clots in the treated veins.
There are a few reasons as to why blood clots may form in veins after they have been treated with sclerotherapy. One possibility is that the clotting factors in the person’s blood have been activated by the treatment. Another reason may be that the person has a condition that predisposes them to developing blood clots, such as cancer or obesity. Finally, the formation of clots may be due to damage done to the vein walls by the sclerotherapy treatment itself.
Blood clots can cause pain and swelling, and in some cases, may require additional treatment. However, blood clots are typically treatable and rarely cause long-term problems.
Discomfort around the injection site
One of the most common side effects is discomfort around the injection site. Not all but some patients experience discomfort around the injection site. This may be due to side effects such as pain, swelling, or bruising. In some cases, the discomfort may be due to an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent. This discomfort can be mild or moderate in intensity. It can last for a few hours or a few days. In most cases, it resolves on its own. Patients who experience discomfort around the injection site should speak with their doctor about ways to alleviate the symptoms.
Infection in the skin
Sclerotherapy can sometimes cause infection in the skin. This infection is known as phlebitis and typically appears as a red, swollen, and painful lump near the injection site. This can occur if bacteria enters the vein through the injection site. Symptoms of an infection include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage from the site. Phlebitis can be treated with antibiotics and usually goes away within a few days. However, in rare cases it can lead to more serious complications such as sepsis or even death. Anyone who experiences signs of phlebitis after sclerotherapy should seek medical attention immediately.