Spider veins and varicose veins are a significant source of embarrassment. Even worse, varicose veins can become painful and lead to serious venous complications. Michael Kassouf, MD, and the team at Vein Doc NYC are the experts you need for eliminating unsightly veins. As specialists in vein treatments, they often recommend sclerotherapy as a safe and permanent treatment for visible veins. To schedule an appointment, call the office in the Midtown East area of New York City or use the online booking system.
Sclerotherapy
When might I need sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is one of the top procedures used to remove spider veins and varicose veins. Both problems develop when one-way valves in the veins fail, allowing blood to flow backward and build up in the vein. As a result, the veins enlarge and become visible.
When the valves fail in tiny veins near the skin’s surface, you end up with spider veins. These veins can appear anywhere on your body, but they typically affect your face and legs. Spider veins seldom cause symptoms, so they’re primarily a cosmetic problem.
You develop varicose veins when valves in larger veins in your legs stop working. Unlike spider veins, varicose veins often result in symptoms such as painful, achy, or tired legs. Untreated varicose veins can also cause serious complications, including venous stasis ulcers and blood clots.
How is sclerotherapy performed?
During sclerotherapy, your doctor at Vein Doc NYC injects medication directly into the veins. The medication makes the vein collapse and develop scar tissue, which your body gradually absorbs and eliminates.
When treating spider veins and small to moderate varicose veins, your Vein Doc NYC physician uses a liquid medication. Larger varicose veins often respond better to medication that turns into foam once it’s inside the vein. The foam moves blood out of the way and expands throughout the vein, allowing the medication to have better contact with the vein wall.
What should I expect during and after sclerotherapy?
In the hands of the skilled vein specialists at Vein Doc NYC, most patients don’t need a local anesthetic during sclerotherapy. However, you talk about the procedure and learn about your choices prior to your vein treatment.
Sclerotherapy typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the extent and severity of the veins requiring treatment. If you have numerous large varicose veins, you may need to spread your treatments out over several sessions.
You won’t need to take downtime following sclerotherapy. Following treatment for varicose veins, you wear compression stockings or a bandage wrapped around your leg to keep the veins compressed. You also need to limit vigorous activities following treatment for varicose veins. Otherwise, you can get back to your normal schedule.
It takes your body about 3-6 weeks to clear away spider veins, while you see the full results for varicose veins in 3-4 months. Once the treated veins disappear, they’re gone for good. However, it’s possible for new varicose or spider veins to appear down the road. Your doctor at Vein Doc NYC helps create a holistic health care plan that includes lifestyle habits to prevent future vein problems.
To schedule a sclerotherapy consultation, call Vein Doc NYC or use the online booking feature.