VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT
A VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT WITHOUT SURGERY: SCLEROTHERAPY
Medium-sized and spider veins are the most common type of veins encountered.
A simple saline solution is usually all that is required to treat most mid-size varicose veins and spider veins. This mild solution induces a mild inflammatory reaction, and the mid-size or spider veins disappear.
HOW DOES SCLEROTHERAPY WORK?
Various solutions (SCLERODEX® solution or TROMBOJECT® foam) are injected into the varicose veins, to “irritate” the vein walls. This causes a “fibrotic reaction”, which, in turn, causes the vein walls to stick together. Within a few weeks, the veins are “sclerosed” under the skin, and disappear without a trace. In the past years, a sclerosing foam has also been used.
WHICH VARICOSE VEINS MUST BE TREATED WITH SCLEROTHERAPY?
Almost any type of varicose vein disease can be treated with sclerotherapy, from large deeper veins to superficial spider veins.
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED?
The number of sessions depends on the extent of the varicose vein disease. Some patients only need two or three sessions, while others need more than fifteen; however, on average, it should take about six to eight sessions to produce good results. Each session lasts about 15 minutes.
IS THE TREATMENT OF MEDIUM-SIZED AND SPIDER VEINS PAINFUL?
It is comparable to a mosquito bite, and it may leave some sensitivity for a day or two, like a bruise. The treatment may be slightly more painful during menstrual periods. Injections around the knees and ankles can cause mild swelling that will disappear after a few days.
HOW SOON CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
Pain in the legs as well as general appearance of legs improve after three or four sessions. Properly treated varicose veins disappear for good, but the heredity factor does not disappear.
NB: Injections are administered at the clinic and the patient can immediately return home or back to work.
To find out more, feel free to contact Dr. Slabbert, specialist in sclerotherapy.
Botox, Juvéderm, Microneedling