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Cosmetic
Dermatology Procedures -
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy (Spider Veins)
Sclerotherapy is a medical
specialty in which the doctor
treats cosmetic and functional
vein disorders. Many types of
doctors deal with vein
disorders, however not all
doctors who deal with veins
really understand how to do the
job properly so that the
problem is solved and does not
return.
Most people
come to a sclerotherapist for
one of two reasons: appearance
and discomfort. Probably the
majority are concerned about
the cosmetic appearance of
"spider" veins just under the
skin. True spider veins are fed
from the arterial system and
when compressed they refill
from the center giving the
impression of a spider
spreading its legs.
What Are
Spider Veins?
Spider veins
are small, thin veins that lie
close to the surface of the
skin. Although these smaller
veins are connected with the
larger venous system, they are
not an essential part of it. A
number of factors contribute to
the development of spider
veins, including heredity,
pregnancy and other events that
cause hormonal shifts, weight
gain, occupations or activities
that require prolonged sitting
or standing, and the use of
certain medications.
Millions of
women are bothered by spider
veins - those small yet
unsightly clusters of red, blue
or purple veins that most
commonly appear on the thighs,
calves and ankles. In fact,
it's estimated that at least
half of the adult female
population is plagued with this
common cosmetic problem.
How is
Sclerotherapy performed?
Sclerotherapy is performed in a
doctor's office. In most cases,
a 23 percent sodium chloride
sterile solution mixed with
lidocaine (a local anesthetic)
and heparin is injected into a
very fine needle directly into
the blood vessel, using a very
fine needle. A solution without
lidocaine is available for
people who are allergic to
lidocaine. The number of
varicose veins injected in one
session is variable, depending
on the size and location of the
veins, and the patient's
overall medical condition.
Sotredecol,
or STS, is a chemical irritant
that causes the vein to shut
down. And it can be mixed with
air to create a foam. This is
also an effective treatment for
saphenous reflux. Mild
discomfort may occur, and a
cramping sensation may be felt
for 1 to 2 minutes when larger
varicose veins are injected.
The sclerotherapy procedure
itself takes about 30 to 45
minutes.
What are
side effects of sclerotherapy?
Certain side
effects may be experienced
after sclerotherapy. Larger
injected varicose veins may
become lumpy and hard for
several months before
resolving. Raised red areas may
appear at the injection sites
and should disappear within a
few days. Brown lines or spots
on the skin may be noted at the
site of the injection, possibly
caused by a form of iron that
escapes from the injected
veins. In most cases, they
disappear within 3 to 6 months,
but can be permanent about 5
percent of the time. Bruising
may occur around the injection
site and can last several days
or weeks.
What
should I bring to my
appointment?
You will
receive specific instructions
on how to prepare for your
spider vein treatment.
Carefully following these
instructions will help the
procedure go more smoothly.
You'll be instructed not to
apply any type of moisturizer,
sun block or oil to your legs
on the day of your procedure.
You may want to bring shorts to
wear during the injections, as
well as your
physician-prescribed support
hose, and slacks or sweatpants
to wear home. When scheduling
your procedure, keep in mind
that your legs may be bruised
or slightly discolored for some
weeks afterward. You probably
won't be comfortable wearing
shorts, a swimsuit or a mini
skirt until after your legs
have cleared up a bit.
What
should I expect after
sclerotherapy treatment?
After
treatment you will be able to
drive yourself home. You may
resume your regular activities
and are encouraged to walk. You
will be instructed to wear
support hosiery or compression
wraps to compress the treated
vessels. Support stockings
purchased from a department
store may not be adequate if a
heavy compression stocking is
prescribed.
After the procedure, avoid
aspirin, ibuprofen and other
anti-inflammatory medications
for at least 48 hours. Tylenol
may be used if needed. Do not
take hot baths or sit in a
whirlpool or sauna, or apply
hot compresses or any form of
heat to the injected areas for
48 hours after treatment. In
addition, avoid direct exposure
to sunlight (sun bathing and
tanning beds) jogging,
high-impact aerobics and
swimming for 7 to 10 days after
the procedure.
Showers are permitted, but the
water should be cooler than
usual. The injection sites may
be washed with a mild soap and
lukewarm water.
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