Do you have thick, cord-like blue veins on the backs of your legs? These veins develop due to age and lifestyle choices and should be treated to improve your circulation and relieve the appearance and discomfort they cause. Sclerotherapy is a simple treatment offered by Pinnacle Dermatology in Birmingham, MI that uses proven technology and has a short recovery time. The treatment can reduce the appearance of the veins and the risks that come with untreated varicose veins.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for vein conditions that has been in use since the 1930s. The treatment is primarily used to eliminate the appearance of veins and the risks that come from untreated veins. The treatment uses an injectable salt-based solution. The offending vein for treatment is located with ultrasound, and the salt solution is injected into the precise location.
The solution irritates the vein and causes it to close. After some time the vein collapses and the destroyed vein is absorbed into the body. The vein will not recover and no longer carries blood, but the circulation is restored by nearby veins. Patients enjoy a quick recovery time after treatment, and the results are often a full elimination of the vein appearance.
What Are the Benefits?
This treatment provides patients with a variety of benefits. Patients can reduce the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins that blemish a smooth complexion on the face and legs through treatment.
Spider veins and varicose veins can also be evidence of poor circulation, and treating the veins can restore proper circulation. Untreated veins can be painful or uncomfortable and may result in swelling or inflammation. Varicose veins may result in serious problems like deep vein thrombosis. Treating the veins relieves the pain and addresses future concerns.
Treating Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Spider veins or varicose veins often develop due to poor circulation. Patients may develop these vein issues if they spend hours sitting or standing throughout the day due to work or a sedentary lifestyle. Contributing factors to the veins may be age and obesity. Both of these conditions can be treated by sclerotherapy to relieve the appearance, risk, and discomfort that stems from them.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are usually harmless and may only be a superficial concern for patients. They are thin, tangled, bulging blood vessels on the surface of the skin that may be red, blue, or purple. Spider veins are often treated for aesthetic reasons, but if they have an uncomfortable burning or itchy feeling, it may be a good reason to treat them sooner rather than later.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are described as being red or blue and can have a skin-tone color. They often appear as bulging cord-like veins on the backs of the legs and are prevalent in older or obese patients. Varicose veins should be treated because patients can be at risk of blood clots, superficial thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis.
The veins may be throbbing and painful, especially when sitting or standing for a period, and the legs may swell or become inflamed. The pain and appearance can be relieved by treating the vein so circulation is restored.
Preparing for and Recovering From Treatment
When you make an appointment with Pinnacle dermatology, we will evaluate your vein condition to find the ideal treatment for you. If you take any medical blood thinners, the doctor may ask you to avoid taking them for some time. On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing and avoid shaving or applying lotion to the treatment area.
After the treatment, continue to avoid blood thinners for 48 hours as well as hot water bathing and sun exposure. The doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings or dressings for some time. Spider veins can fade in as little as three weeks, but large varicose veins may take up to six months.
Advantages Over Other Vein Treatments
Sclerotherapy has been practiced for almost a century, but it is still effective and has become modernized to keep up with other treatments. It is more affordable and simple to perform than laser treatments and has a shorter recovery time.
The treatment can be performed in under 30 minutes in most circumstances. Patients can drive home after the treatment and are encouraged to walk around if possible. Many patients can return to work the same day the treatment is completed. Insurance providers often cover the treatment if it is performed for non-cosmetic reasons.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Patients of all ages, skin types, and genders with varicose and spider veins can benefit from the treatment. The treatment can relieve pain and appearance concerns while addressing more serious future concerns. Varicose veins and spider veins can be completely eliminated with up to an 80% success rate, and very few patients require additional treatment to reach their desired results. The treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing and patients with heart conditions.
Improve the Appearance of Your Legs Today
Varicose veins and spider veins can cause an unwanted appearance and may be uncomfortable or painful. The appearance of these veins can indicate serious circulation problems. If you want to improve your circulation and treat varicose veins or spider veins, visit Pinnacle Dermatology in Birmingham, MI for an initial consultation and evaluation.
