Sclerotherapy / Vein Surgery
WHO IS A CANDIDATE:
- Patients with unwanted spider veins
and small varicose veins.
- Any history of chronic venous disease
such as recurrent deep vein thrombosis
is a contraindication.
INTENDED RESULTS:
- The goal of treatment is to eliminate
the unsightly veins.
- Repeat treatments at two to four week
intervals are often necessary until satisfactory
venous ablation is carried out.
- Veins that are too small in diameter
to permit needle puncture may require
other modalities of treatment such as
laser therapy.
- A certain percentage of patients will
have persistence of veins despite sclerotherapy.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION:
- It may be necessary to mark some of
the veins in the standing position.
- The injection sites are cleaned and
small syringes and fine needles are then
used to inject the sclerosant material
at two to three centimeter intervals.
- Some mild bleeding at the injection
site is expected.
- It is normal to get localized swelling
and redness soon after the injection.
This will dissipate within twenty four
hours.
- Compression stockings are often used
at the conclusion of the procedure.
- Rarely the skin may blister at the
injection site.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING:
- Redness and some swelling are common
in the first day or so.
- Bruising is also common and may persist
for 3-4 weeks.
- Slightly limited physical activity
is necessary for 1-2 days and then resumption
of normal activities is possible.
OTHER OPTIONS
Laser treatments can also
be used to eradicate small veins.
INSURANCE GUIDELINES
Spider veins are
considered cosmetic and are not covered
by insurance. Larger varicose veins which
cause symptoms such as pain or ulceration
may be covered by insurance.
NOTE: The specific risks and the suitability
of this procedure for a given individual
can be determined only at the time of
consultation. All surgical procedures
have some degree of risk. Minor complications
that do not affect the outcome can occur
occasionally. Major complications are
unusual.
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