5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Sclerotherapy

At Alate Health, we pride ourselves on offering a range of minimally invasive treatments for a multitude of conditions. One such treatment we provide is sclerotherapy, a preferred method for eliminating varicose veins and spider veins.

Utilizing sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) or a salt solution, our expert medical team injects the solution directly into the vein, causing irritation that leads to swelling, clotting, and eventual vein closure.

Each sclerotherapy session is meticulously planned and executed. We begin with a thorough examination of the veins while the patient is standing, followed by the patient positioning on their back. The area is thoroughly cleaned, after which the solution is injected.

The sclerotherapy process typically takes less than an hour and is carried out with maximum patient comfort in mind, often not requiring any anesthesia. The treated vein gradually turns into scar tissue that fades from view and is reabsorbed by the body. This not only diminishes the appearance of varicose and spider veins but also alleviates associated symptoms such as pain, swelling, and itching.

Post-procedure, our patients are usually able to drive themselves home and continue with their regular activities. The success of sclerotherapy typically depends on the patient’s overall health, the number of veins treated, and the size of the veins.

We understand that each patient’s needs are unique and provide customized treatments accordingly. Smaller veins usually disappear within three to six weeks, while larger veins can often take three to four months. If necessary, we offer multiple treatments to ensure the achievement of the desired results.

Varicose veins and spider veins are capable of affecting individuals of any age, but they occur most commonly in adults over the age of 50. However, we see many younger adults and even some adolescents in our practice who require sclerotherapy for painful or uncomfortable symptoms. We can perform sclerotherapy on individuals from their late teens to their 70s or beyond, but the ideal age range for the procedure varies with age-related factors.

The optimal age for sclerotherapy is typically between the mid-20s to mid-50s, a period when individuals are generally more likely to experience vein problems due to hormonal changes and the effects of gravity. We believe that the decision to undergo sclerotherapy should be based more on your symptoms and personal health rather than your age.

As part of our comprehensive approach to vein health, we consider factors such as vein health, the underlying cause of the vein problems, and age-related vulnerabilities when determining the optimal age for sclerotherapy. If your veins are caused by an underlying medical condition, such as hormonal imbalances or venous insufficiency, we may recommend addressing the underlying issue before undergoing sclerotherapy. We also take into consideration the increased risks associated with sclerotherapy in older adults, such as skin thinning and impaired healing.

While sclerotherapy can be beneficial for older adults, we believe it is essential to assess their overall health and consider any age-related concerns. For younger adults, sclerotherapy can address vein issues that affect their appearance and well-being. However, we also stress that sclerotherapy may not be a permanent solution for younger individuals, as vein problems can recur over time.

We prioritize the well-being of our patients. We understand that undergoing a procedure like sclerotherapy can seem daunting, and we’re here to guide you through the process and let you know what to expect.

Following your sclerotherapy procedure, you may experience a few immediate effects:

• The treated areas might look bruised or discolored. This should typically fade within a few weeks.
• There might be slight discomfort at the injection site, which can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• You may feel itching or tingling in the treated areas.
• Raised and hard areas might form at the treatment sites. These are typically blood clots and should dissolve on their own within a month.

Days and Weeks after your Sclerotherapy Procedure:

• The treated veins should gradually become less visible over time.
• Swelling and bruising should subside within a few days to a week.
• Some discomfort or soreness may persist for a few weeks.
• You may experience a feeling of tightness in your legs, which should subside within a period of a few days.

Months after your Sclerotherapy Procedure:

• Your treated veins will continue to fade.
• Any hardening or thickening of the treated areas should gradually resolve.
• The full results of your sclerotherapy procedure may take several months to fully materialize.

At Alate Health, we are committed to providing innovative and specialized healthcare services to our patients, including sclerotherapy, a medical procedure designed to eliminate varicose and spider veins. The duration of each sclerotherapy session at our clinic depends on factors including the size of the veins and the number of veins being treated, the technique we employ, and the individual patient’s unique response to the treatment. However, on average, you can expect a sclerotherapy session to last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.

In some cases, achieving the desired results may necessitate multiple sessions, the number of which will be influenced by the severity as well as the extent of the veins being treated. As per standard practice, we space each session several weeks apart to allow sufficient time for the treated veins to respond.

One of the benefits of undergoing sclerotherapy is that this procedure doesn’t typically require any downtime. However, we may advise patients to avoid strenuous activities for a few days following each session to aid in healing. We also may recommend the use of compression stockings to enhance the treatment’s overall effectiveness. 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.