What You Should Know About Sclerotherapy Treatment
Varicose veins affect nearly 30 million adult Americans, causing swellings, pains, and aches. Even though the condition is not always serious, it can still cause skin ulcers, blood clotting in veins deep inside your leg, and other health issues. For that reason, consult Dr. Nirav Patel Yonkers immediately if you notice signs and symptoms of varicose veins. These symptoms may include heavy legs, itching around veins, a varicose vein changing color, lower leg swelling, and bulging and twisting of veins.
Before sclerotherapy
Before the medical procedure, your vascular specialist will examine your physical health and medical history. Scans identify the twisted and enlarged veins or existing disease.
Looking at your health history, your caregiver will be interested in present or past medical issues, medications you are using, and allergic reactions. For instance, if you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, your doctor can recommend that you do not use them 2-3 days before sclerotherapy. The drugs may interfere with the working of a sclerosing agent or trigger more bleeding.
Also, before the nonsurgical procedure, your health provider may advise you not to apply any lotion on your leg, including after treatment.
On the day of sclerotherapy, wear shorts or loose-fitting clothing.
During sclerotherapy
Once in the doctor’s office, you are directed to lie on your stomach or back and slightly elevate your legs. Often, the procedure does not involve anesthesia and lasts about 40 minutes.
Your doctor will then proceed to clean the area with the affected veins. Various solutions or agents exist for injecting into your veins. The chemical used and its concentration depends on the condition and size of the vein or veins requiring treatment.
The sclerotherapy agent (liquid or foam solution) injected into your veins functions by irritating the vein lining. As a result, the vein swells, shuts, and blocks the flowing of blood.
In the end, there is disfigurement and disappearance of the enlarged and twisted veins. That leads to the re-direction of blood to healthier veins.
The number of veins a vascular specialist treats in a session depends on your general medical health and the location and size of the veins. Moreover, the number and size of the affected veins influence your injections.
After sclerotherapy
Once your health specialist completes the procedure, you can straightaway get up and walk. Walking and moving around almost immediately can assist in safeguarding you against blood clotting.
Still, as a caution, you may be asked to continue lying down for a few minutes so that a solution gets implemented faster if there is any unusual reaction due to the injected agent.
For about 14 days, you may have to wear varicose vein stockings or bandages. That is vital for maintaining compression on the area treated and preventing bruising. Your doctor may advise against arduous exercises or tasks. Additionally, do not expose the treated vessels to direct sun rays as they cause dark spots.
Contact Premier Vascular today if you think you have a vascular condition like varicose veins and need diagnosis and treatment.
