Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment Specialist Q&A

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure specifically designed to address the cosmetic and discomfort issues that can be caused by spider and varicose veins.
 
This procedure has become a popular choice for individuals seeking a solution for unsightly veins that appear on the skin’s surface, particularly on the legs and face. While spider and varicose veins do not always present alongside discomforting symptoms, they can be a cosmetic concern and have adverse impacts on an individual’s self-confidence.
 
During sclerotherapy, a chemical solution, known as a sclerosant, is injected directly into the affected veins. This solution causes the veins to swell, collapse, and eventually seal off by forming scar tissue, which stops blood flow through these veins. Over time, the body naturally absorbs these collapsed veins, significantly diminishing or entirely removing their appearance on the skin’s surface.
 
The procedure is highly effective, requiring only a brief recovery time, which allows patients to resume their daily activities soon after treatment. Additionally, sclerotherapy not only enhances the aesthetic appearance but also helps alleviate physical symptoms such as aching, swelling, and other irritating sensations often associated with problematic veins.

Sclerotherapy works by introducing a sclerosant solution into the problematic veins through the careful use of a fine needle. This solution irritates the vein’s inner lining, causing it to swell, collapse, and eventually clot over time.
 
This clotting blocks the vein, ceasing blood flow, which leads to the vein’s gradual degradation and absorption by the body’s natural processes. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the correct application of the solution, which is why it is performed under the guidance of experienced specialists at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic.
 
The procedure not only targets the aesthetic issues by making the veins less visible but also promotes healthier blood circulation by redirecting the blood to deeper, healthier veins.
 
The complete absorption and fading of the treated veins can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual’s response to the treatment and the extent of vein involvement.

Candidacy for sclerotherapy is evaluated on an individual basis in collaboration with providers at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic.
 
It is typically a well tolerated treatment that is suitable for a wide range of individuals who have concerns associated with spider veins or varicose veins. Candidates ideal for sclerotherapy typically struggle with the presence of spider veins or smaller varicose veins that do not present severe vascular health issues.
 
This treatment is especially suitable for those seeking cosmetic improvements to enhance skin appearance and reduce the psychological and physical discomfort associated with visible vein concerns. Good candidates are generally in stable health, not pregnant or nursing, and do not have a history of significant blood clotting disorders.
 
Patients should be willing to follow through with post-procedure care instructions, such as wearing compression stockings and avoiding sun exposure, to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness as well as its longevity.
 
Individuals considering sclerotherapy should have realistic expectations about the outcomes and understand that while sclerotherapy is effective in treating existing veins, it does not prevent new ones from forming.

The results from sclerotherapy are generally long-lasting and considered permanent for the veins that are effectively treated. Once a vein has been sclerosed, it does not usually reopen or become visible again helping patients enjoy long-term relief from varicose or spider veins.
 
However, sclerotherapy does not prevent the possible development of new spider or varicose veins in the future due to genetic, lifestyle, or other physiological factors. Therefore, some patients may need periodic treatments to manage new vein formations.
 
The permanence of sclerotherapy makes it a compelling option for those looking for a durable solution to their vein problems. For sustained results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following preventive measures recommended by healthcare professionals can be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of new problematic veins developing.
 
Sclerotherapy is available at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic. For more details, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in 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.