Norman Chideckel MD Vein Center
212-993-6133

Sclerotherapy for Damaged Veins

In Sclerotherapy, doctors inject a chemical known as a sclerosant in your damaged vein to eliminate it entirely. The sclerosant damages the deepest lining of the vessel (the endothelium). As a result, a blood clot will appear that blocks the circulation of blood in the vein. The veins inside your body bring unoxygenated blood from the tissues back to your heart.

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Since venous blood pressure in your veins is low, it pumps the blood forward with heart contractions. Most veins contain valves that only allow blood to flow towards the heart. When these valves become useless, veins become large.

Smaller veins that nourish varicose veins can also become distended and appear as blue or red spider veins on your skin. You can have chronic swelling on your leg due to varicose veins. This condition is known as venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency can cause blood clots, swelling on the legs, and skin ulceration.

Side Effects of Sclerotherapy

You might experience slight stinging, burning, and cramping on the affected area or in the injected vein during sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy might be painful, especially when the sclerosing agent pours out into nearby tissues. Below are the common side effects of sclerotherapy.

  • Bruises
  • Stinging
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of skin
  • Discomfort

All of the above side effects will disappear in a few days. You might also notice some brown spots or lines in the treated area. Typically, these brown spots and lines disappear after three to six months, but in some scenarios, they will last longer or can become permanent. Here are some more side effects of the treatment.

  • Allergic reaction due to sclerosing agent
  • Ulceration of skin near the treated area
  • A blood clot might develop in the treated veins
  • Mild inflammation and discomfort around the injection site

Therefore, you must stay in contact with your healthcare provider after the sclerotherapy treatment. They will help you increase the efficiency of the procedure and manage any possible side effects.

Sclerotherapy Procedure

There are numerous methods used in order to treat conditions like varicose veins and spider veins. One of these methods is sclerotherapy. This involves an injection penetrated through an incision in the skin and into the vein.

The fluid from the injection affects the wall supporting the vein. As a result of this action, the wall disintegrates. Once that happens, the body absorbs the remnants of the vein. Doctors use two different types of chemicals while performing Sclerotherapy. The FDA has approved the use of these chemicals. These chemicals are tremendously helpful in treating the veins during this procedure.

Best Sclerotherapy for Damaged Veins
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Foam sclerotherapy involves an injection and the use of air. It is quite effective and one of the best procedures for treating larger veins. During the procedure, the doctor empties the vein by removing all the blood from it. As a result of that, it is easier to identify and locate the wall for the injection. With the help of ultrasound, sclerotherapy can be quite an effective way to treat veins in an efficient manner.

After Sclerotherapy

One of the benefits of this treatment is that you won’t need bed rest after it. You can go about your day as you usually would immediately. However, doctors will suggest and provide compression stockings, which help with blood circulation. Make sure you don’t wear them while bathing or sleeping. It is also common to feel discomfort and pain once the treatment is over. However, doctors will prescribe the right medication like Tylenol to reduce pain and discomfort. In some cases, the area treated may swell up a bit but you can remain calm, as it is not an alarming situation.

Once the treatment is over, it is best to avoid going out in the sun, as it may cause discoloration of the treated area. The doctor will suggest the patient to not go for a swim or head to the beach at least for a few days after the treatment.

It is also imperative to stay active to lower the risk of blood clots. However, you should also avoid exercises like aerobics, running, and weight lifting for a couple of days after the treatment.

Call An Expert Vascular Surgeon Today

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure, and you can immediately leave the office/clinic on the day of the treatment. When you need varicose veins and spider veins treated by the best doctors, you can come to us. Call us to know more about your condition or to schedule an appointment and meet one of our knowledgeable vein doctors.

Vascular Surgery & Vein Center
Dr. Norman Chideckel
108 East 96th Street
Front 1
New York, NY 10128
212-993-6133

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