Benefits of Sclerotherapy for Vein Treatment Q&A

At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, we offer a range of treatments to help improve venous health and lessen the discomfort and visibility of spider veins and varicose veins. One of the treatments we offer is sclerotherapy, a medical procedure approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A salt solution is injected straight into the afflicted vein during this treatment, causing it to collapse and reroute the blood through healthier veins. Over time, the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and fades away. This procedure has been proven to improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins in 75–90% of cases, even if it can take several treatments to get the desired effect.

We use FDA-approved sclerosing agents like sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), polidocanol, and foam sclerotherapy. The safety and effectiveness of these sclerosing agents have been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies.

Following clearance, the FDA keeps an eye on the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy treatments. They collect data on adverse events, patient outcomes, and any changes in manufacturing practices. In the event of any new information raising concerns about the safety or efficacy of sclerotherapy, the FDA is prepared to take appropriate action.

Contrary to common beliefs, sclerotherapy can actually improve circulation within the body. Varicose and spider veins are malfunctioning veins that hinder proper blood flow. By collapsing these veins through sclerotherapy, our experienced team can alleviate pressure on surrounding veins, facilitating better blood flow back to the heart, and enhancing venous return, and overall blood circulation.

However, while sclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment for small, superficial veins, it may not address deeper circulation issues. Also, this procedure doesn’t prevent new varicose or spider veins from developing in the future. Therefore, we provide continued monitoring and potentially additional treatments when necessary.

Before considering sclerotherapy, it’s crucial to consult our qualified healthcare professionals. We can assess your circulation concerns and determine if the procedure is appropriate for you. We also provide comprehensive aftercare, including recommended post-procedure guidelines such as wearing compression stockings and lifestyle modifications for optimized circulation and minimized swelling.

Sclerotherapy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for improving circulation in patients with varicose and spider veins. However, it’s essential to consult our healthcare professionals to determine if the procedure is suitable for addressing your specific circulation concerns and to complement it with appropriate lifestyle modifications.

At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art minimally invasive treatments, one of which is sclerotherapy. People with spider veins, varicose veins, or unattractive damaged tiny blood vessels are the main candidates for this surgery.

The majority of our patients benefiting from sclerotherapy are those struggling with spider or varicose veins. These are superficial veins that become enlarged and visible due to weakened or damaged valves, leading to improper blood flow. Our sclerotherapy treatments can help reduce their appearance and improve circulation. Importantly, enlarged varicose veins can put pressure on surrounding tissues, causing discomfort, swelling, and itching. Sclerotherapy can alleviate these symptoms by reducing the size and prominence of the veins.

We also cater to individuals with venous insufficiency, a condition characterized by ineffective blood flow from the legs back to the heart. Our sclerotherapy can provide relief from the discomfort and swelling associated with this condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms like aching, swelling, burning, or night cramps and haven’t found relief from compression stockings or lifestyle modifications, sclerotherapy may be a suitable option for you.

We are aware that having visible veins might lower your confidence, sense of self, and general quality of life. That’s why sclerotherapy also serves as a cosmetic solution, improving the appearance of your skin by reducing visible veins. For those who are not candidates for surgical vein removal due to underlying medical conditions or the location of the veins, sclerotherapy could be an effective alternative treatment.

However, we always undertake a thorough consultation and evaluation before recommending sclerotherapy, as it may not be suitable for everyone. People that suffer from specific illnesses, such as active infections, clotting disorders, or allergies to the injected solution, should consult with our healthcare professionals before considering the procedure. Understanding the possible risks and benefits is essential for any medical therapy, and our team is here to guide you throughout the process.

Our team of experts specializes in minimally invasive treatments like sclerotherapy for the management of varicose veins and spider veins. A sclerosing fluid is injected throughout this process, often a salt solution, directly into the problematic veins. This solution works to damage the vein lining, causing scar tissue to form, which eventually seals off the vein, resulting in its gradual decline and disappearance.

The number of sclerotherapy treatments you may need at our clinic can vary, depending on the number, size, and location of the veins being treated. Small veins may only require a few injections, while larger or more extensive veins could necessitate multiple injections over a series of treatments. It’s possible to treat multiple veins in one session, but larger veins or a greater number of veins may need additional treatment sessions.

It’s important to note that some veins may need to be treated more than once. We schedule treatments a few weeks apart to allow your body time to respond and for our physicians to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The total number of injections required for a successful outcome in sclerotherapy can range from a few to possibly dozens, spread out over several treatment sessions.

At Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic, we personalize your treatment plan based on an evaluation of your veins and their response to treatment. It is crucial to follow our expert physicians’ instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments to achieve optimal results. For more details, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you on Hermann Drive Houston, TX, and Gulf Freeway Houston, TX. We serve patients from Hermann Drive Houston TX, Gulf Freeway Houston TX, Bellaire TX, Deer Park TX, Pasadena TX, Montrose TX, Pearland TX, Houston Heights TX, and surrounding areas of Texas.