Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment Near Chattanooga, TN

Dr. Brittanya Limone is a board-certified dermatologists at Uderm offering Sclerotherapy to reduce the appearance and symptoms of spider and varicose veins. If you are considering tvein treatment, contact Uderm to determine if Sclerotherapy is the right procedure for you. To schedule your vein consultation and treatment at our dermatology clinic near Chattanooga, TN, please call (423) 206-2777 or request an appointment online.

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What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure commonly used to treat varicose or spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment that does not require hospitalization or general anesthesia.

What is Sclerotherapy Used For?

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both smaller spider veins and larger varicose veins.

You may be a candidate for sclerotherapy if:

• You’re self-conscious about the appearance of your varicose or spider veins
• Your veins are causing discomfort
• You’re in pain or experiencing cramping in your legs

How is Sclerotherapy Performed?

Sclerotherapy is a proven procedure that has been in use since the 1930s. It can be performed by a number of specialists, most often a board-certified dermatologist or cardiovascular surgeon. It is a very common procedure that usually takes less than an hour.

Sclerotherapy is performed by:

• First, your provider will clean the area of your skin
• Next, an injection of a solution (typically polidocanol) is administered directly into the vein
• The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel and then, the vessel collapses and sticks together
• Without the flow of blood, your body’s tissues will start to absorb the vein
• Your problematic vessel turns into scar tissue and your body reroutes the vein’s blood flow to healthy veins instead
• There is no more blood flow to the troublesome veins
• Your vein fades completely over the next few weeks or months

What Should I Know Before Sclerotherapy?

Your specialist will evaluate you to determine what treatment option is right for you. There are different types of injections used in sclerotherapy depending on your needs.

Before the treatment, be sure to mention any medications you’re taking. You may need to stop taking anti-inflammatories or avoid alcohol and nicotine.

Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid lotion on the area prior to sclerotherapy.

Throughout the procedure you will be as comfortable as possible. If you feel uneasy about any part of the procedure, ask about options to relieve your anxiety.

Most find the injections relatively painless, though you might experience a small amount of burning, tingling, or discomfort. The injections often contain a small amount of numbing agent to minimize any pain related to the procedure.

After Sclerotherapy

Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure is complete.

After sclerotherapy you will be able to drive yourself home and resume your regular daily activities. Walking is also encouraged to help avoid blood clots.

Other recommendations after sclerotherapy include:

• Avoiding hot baths or saunas
• Showers are allowed, but water should be cooler than usual
• Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight
• Wearing support garments to compress the treated vessels for about two weeks
• Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 48 hours
• Washing injection site with a mild soap

What to Expect Moving Forward

Sclerotherapy works for many patients, most seeing spider veins respond in three to six weeks.

Some larger veins may take longer, like three to four months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear.

Less than 10 percent of people do not respond to the injections at all. If this is the case for you, another solution can be tried after discussing your situation.

Usually, 50 to 80 percent of the injected veins are eliminated with each session of sclerotherapy. It may take more than one session. If needed, you may return for injections, especially if new veins continue to appear.