Sclerotherapy: Liquid & Foam
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy uses an injectable solution for varicose and spider veins that can be guided by ultrasound technology. The solution is injected directly into the vein, causing it to collapse entirely and relieve any pain or discomfort. The body can completely reroute the blood flow to other nearby veins much healthier than the original.
It is one of the most performed treatments for problematic veins because of how reliable it is and how little risk it presents to a patient. The vast majority of people with troubled veins are good candidates for this type of procedure.
Why Do We Need Sclerotherapy?
Sometimes, veins are unable to conduct the flow of blood properly. This is primarily caused by a vein that is too weak or affected by other medical conditions. The result is the accumulation of blood in the vein, causing it to bulge against the skin. Not only does this sometimes become uncomfortable or even painful, but it also is a significant aesthetic issue for many people.
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of options when it comes to reducing or eliminating varicose and spider veins. We need sclerotherapy because it is one of the only ways patients can get back to their previous appearance and health.
Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
If you have developed unsightly spider veins or if you have varicose veins that are causing you pain, discomfort or an unwanted bulging appearance, you are likely a candidate for sclerotherapy. There are rare cases in which an underlying condition may prevent you from being a candidate, but these circumstances are few and far between.
However, the best candidates do not smoke or excessively drink, avoid drug use, are in good general health and fitness, and have realistic expectations about what sclerotherapy can achieve. Typically, if you are a candidate for the procedure once, you can have as many follow-up treatments as you need as long as no problematic conditions develop.
What Are My Sclerotherapy Options?
Dr. Ebanks uses both liquid and foam sclerotherapy for her procedures, allowing her to customize treatment based on the size of the varicose or spider veins and the preference of her patients.
Liquid Sclerotherapy
Liquid sclerotherapy uses Polidocanol that is injected through a tiny needle directly into the vein. Patients may experience some mild discomfort or cramping for a minute or two while the solution is dispersed into the vein. Liquid sclerotherapy is often the chosen solution when the problematic veins are small and highly visible.
Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is a newer procedure that uses a different type of solution for delivering the sclerosing agent. Instead of a liquid solution, this procedure utilizes foam that has a similar consistency to shaving cream.
The advantage of foam sclerotherapy is twofold. First, the thicker agent displaces the blood in the vein, so a higher concentration of the sclerosing agent comes in contact with the vein wall. Second, the foam can be easily tracked on an ultrasound, allowing Dr. Ebanks to more accurately target the precise location of the vein. Foam sclerotherapy can be more effectively used on more prominent veins because of these unique features of the procedure.
What Should I Expect During Sclerotherapy Recovery?
It is normal to experience minor redness, swelling and discomfort at the injection site immediately after the procedure is performed. Some bruising may also develop, but all of these side effects typically subside within a week or two.
An overwhelming majority of patients return to their everyday routines immediately after having sclerotherapy performed. It is critical that you move around to help prevent blood clotting near the injection sites. Compression garments are an easy way to prevent excess swelling and help with the overall outcome.
Why Dr. Ebanks?
As a member of the American College of Phlebology, Dr. Ebanks has ample experience working with both sclerotherapy methods. Dr. Ebanks has used sclerotherapy to help many patients get rid of unsightly varicose and spider veins and the embarrassment and discomfort that often accompany them.
FAQS
Does Insurance Cover Sclerotherapy?
In some cases where varicose or spider veins are causing pain or could pose additional medical risks, your insurance may cover a portion of the sclerotherapy treatment.
Can Veins Get Worse from Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy will not worsen varicose or spider veins since the solution is developed specifically to collapse the vein entirely, however it might not work very well or you might get brown discolorations if there are larger veins that are not working properly and need to be treated first. In order to assess if you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy you might need an ultrasound before.
Can You Have Sclerotherapy While Pregnant?
Generally, it is recommended that sclerotherapy is avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as week 36 and after. It however makes sense to wait a few months after delivery before you are considering any treatment since a lot of the varicose veins improve naturally after delivery. Dr. Ebanks is happy to discuss other less invasive options to help with the discomfort during pregnancy.
Is Sclerotherapy Safe?
Sclerotherapy is an extremely safe procedure with an increasingly rare complication rate. Thorough checks are performed on each patient to ensure nothing is being done unsafely.
Sclerotherapy Treatment in Grand Cayman
If you are ready to learn more about how sclerotherapy can solve your vein woes, or if you are prepared to set up a consultation with our team, give our office a call at +1 345 946 0067 or +1 345 927 9235. You can also fill out our online contact form to receive a callback at a more convenient time. You can message Cayman Surgery directly at office@caymansurgery.ky.
