All You Need to Know About Sclerotherapy

Painful, unattractive varicose veins can lower your self-esteem and the quality of your life, so inquiring about possible treatments is a good way to approach the matter. If you are interested in varicose vein sclerotherapy in Los Angeles, here is all you need to know about what sclerotherapy is, how to prepare, what not to do before the treatment, and how many intervention sessions are needed to achieve the best results.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that has been in use since the 1930s, and is conducted by medical specialists with a goal of eliminating varicose and spider veins. The therapy consists of injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the deformed vein, intentionally causing the blood vessel to collapse and stick together in the process. There is no scarring following the procedure.

Sclerotherapy needs to be performed by a professional dermatologist or a vein specialist. The procedure takes between 15 and 60 minutes, and causes mild discomfort in the treated area for, usually, no more than a couple of minutes.

Which patients are considered eligible for sclerotherapy?

To decide if a person is eligible for this intervention, an experienced dermatologist or vein specialist must examine a patient thoroughly. Pregnant and bedridden patients are never eligible for this procedure, while the patients who used to suffer from blood clot sometime in the past need to be assessed on an individual basis. If a specialist declares a patient eligible for sclerotherapy, the latter is obliged to adequately prepare before coming in for the procedure.

How do I prepare for sclerotherapy?

If you decide to visit your doctor and inquire about the procedure, here is what you need to do before the initial consultation.

  1. Prepare questions for your specialist. If you know what to do and what to expect, the whole process will be a lot easier to handle. Your doctor will be ready to assist in every way, offering explanations and advice concerning the entire process.
  2. Inform your doctor about any medication or health products you take. Depending on your situation, the doctor will assess whether you should keep taking them, or they should be avoided until the procedure. Do not decide to start or stop taking any medication before consulting with your specialist.

If after the examination a specialist estimates that you’re eligible for sclerotherapy, here is what to do to prepare for the procedure:

  1. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes. Instead, opt for loose clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
  2. Do your best to stay active. Mild exercise, slow running, and long walks are just the thing you need. Make sure to avoid any intensive workout, as it may affect your vein condition negatively.
  3. Stay on a healthy diet, and stop consuming tobacco. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is going to help you keep your vein condition under control until the time comes for the intervention.
  4. If you’re taking a shower the morning before the procedure, avoid shaving your legs, although you can use a moisturizer.
  5. On the day of the procedure, take a pair of compression stockings with you. If you don’t have them, you’ll get a pair at the doctor’s office.

Just as in case of any other medical procedure, following the given instructions is crucial. Be sure not to miss any, and by the time the intervention appointment arrives, you will have been fully prepared for it.

What should you not do before sclerotherapy?

A patient scheduled for sclerotherapy needs to take special precautionary measures prior to the intervention. The list of those is not extensive, but it’s important to remember and follow them as prescribed. Here is what you need to be aware of:

  1. You should not take any medication before the procedure. If you are taking prescribed antibiotics, dietary supplements, or any other medication or health product,  you must consult with your physician before the intervention. As mentioned previously, never stop taking medication without consulting with your doctor. According to the situation at hand, a specialist will make a call that’s best for your individual case.
  2. Before you go in for sclerotherapy, you are not allowed to use any creams or lotions on the skin.
  3. Avoid tanning and exposing the problematic skin area to sunlight for one month prior to the therapy session. If you need to spend time in direct sunlight, use sunscreen in large amounts to keep your skin safe.

How many sessions of sclerotherapy is needed?

The number of treatments necessary to provide full relief depends on a specific patient, and the number and condition of their varicose or spider veins. In general terms, it takes between 1-4 sessions to achieve the best results. Patients with a few veins typically need 1-2 interventions, while the more complex cases require additional procedures.

Does the procedure hurt? Should I expect any side effects?

The sclerotherapy process itself does not cause much pain. A patient will feel the sting of a needle, but aside from this sensation, the procedure should not cause much soreness. After the intervention is done, a patient may feel mild discomfort, itching, and some bruising may appear as well. However, those symptoms typically disappear in the following days.

Free yourself from pain and discomfort: Visit a renowned vein specialist in Los Angeles

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that can help you successfully set yourself free of the unpleasantness of varicose veins, but it’s very important to let experienced professionals handle it with care. Beverly Hills Vein Institute is proud to offer its patients professional and safe varicose veins sclerotherapy in Los Angeles.

Finding the right specialist for your varicose or spider veins is no longer a difficult task, as Beverly Hills Vein Institute’s expert staff knows exactly what needs to be done. Dr. Ivan Brooks, MD is a renowned double board certified vein specialist with vast experience in the treatment of painful, deformed veins. Are you wondering what to do after sclerotherapy procedure, or when to expect the results from sclerotherapy? Contact us today, schedule your first appointment, and prepare all the questions you wish to ask. After the procedure is done, it won’t be long before you’re confidently strolling down the Walk of Fame!

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