Update: BodyLase is no longer offering Sclerotherapy at this time. Please see our other Laser Vein Therapy treatments.
Are you hiding your legs with pants because you hate those red or blue veins in your legs? Now there is a treatment that can reduce those veins so you can bare your legs once again. That procedure is called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is used to reduce varicose veins or spider veins.
When To Consider Sclerotherapy & What To Expect
Although sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, always consult with your provider to verify if this is the correct treatment for your condition.
Here are some symptoms that may require treatment:
- Legs that feel heavy or sore
- Skin on the legs is patchy and dry
- Rash appears near the varicose veins
- Veins are painful
Sclerotherapy uses a syringe that contains a salt solution. A fine needle is inserted into the vein. The patient usually feels some discomfort from cramping when the solution is injected, but this feeling subsides quickly.
The salt solution irritates the blood vessel lining causing it to stick together and collapse. The vessel then turns into scar tissue, fading from view.
The procedure can be done in a provider’s office. Depending on the number of veins being treated, the process can take up to 30 minutes. Aftercare includes not partaking in any aerobic activity, such as running for a few days. Also, you will need to wear compression stockings for a week after treatment.
Minor side effects that may occur:
- Redness or bruising at the injection site
- Itching around injected blood vessel
Prevention
There are several things you can do to avoid developing varicose veins:
Exercise – Keep your muscles toned, your blood flowing through your legs, and your weight under control.
Clothing – Wear loose-fitting clothing. Do not wear clothing that constricts blood flow to your waste, legs, and groin.
Shoes – Avoid long periods of standing in high heels. Low or flat heels are better for blood circulation in the legs.
Varicose veins can be the result of a high amount of pressure put on the legs or the abdomen, but it only shows up in the legs. Some of the other contributing factors to varicose veins are pregnancy, obesity, and standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
For more information on sclerotherapy or to schedule a consultation, contact BodyLase at 919-954-2288 (Raleigh) or 919-851-8989 (Cary).
