Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to eliminate varicose and spider veins. It is considered highly effective at removing these problematic veins from the surface of the skin. When undergoing complex medical procedures like sclerotherapy, it pays to take special care to learn as much as possible about the procedure itself. Knowing more about the specifics surrounding an operation can increase the likelihood of its success. If you are considering undergoing sclerotherapy in Beverly Hills, this guide describes some of the benefits of sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
During a sclerotherapy procedure, a physician injects a solution into the varicose and spider veins on the surface of the skin. The solution causes the troublesome veins to collapse and disappear, removing them from sight.
Sclerotherapy usually goes into effect within a few weeks of the initial treatment, and studies have shown that almost 80% of all patients do not need to undergo additional treatment beyond sclerotherapy to remove their varicose veins and spider veins.
What Areas Can Sclerotherapy Treat?
Sclerotherapy is most commonly performed on the feet and legs but can be applied to other parts of the body successfully. You can discuss the specifics surrounding your situation with your physician and whether or not sclerotherapy would benefit you. Some of the other areas of the body that sclerotherapy can treat include the following sections:
- Calves
- Ankles
- Feet
- Thighs
- Face
- Buttocks
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Most individuals who suffer from varicose and spider veins will ultimately qualify for sclerotherapy. That being said, the procedure is most commonly performed on individuals between 30 and 60 years of age.
Spider veins and varicose veins tend to pop up most commonly as people age. In addition, they are more commonly visible in women than in men, mainly owing to the fact that a higher percentage of the average man’s body is covered in body hair, which can obscure unsightly veins.
Before an individual is approved for sclerotherapy, they will need to undergo an examination from a vascular specialist, who can determine whether their veins are healthy enough to receive treatment.
Preparing for Sclerotherapy
After you consult with a cardiovascular specialist, you may be advised to undergo a set of preparations to prepare for your procedure. They may include things like the following:
- Avoid applying lotion or beauty products or shaving your legs before your procedure.
- Avoid taking certain medications like ibuprofen or aspirin prior to your procedure in order to decrease your risk of bleeding.
- Report any other health conditions that you may experience prior to any work being performed.
- Wear compression stockings for several days before and after your procedure.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is generally considered to be a safe and relatively low-risk procedure. However, there are some side effects and risks to consider as you proceed with your treatment, such as:
- Stinging
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discomfort
- Inflammation and red areas surrounding your injection sites
These side effects are quite common and, in most cases, should subside within a couple of days. However, there are other, more serious adverse reactions that one should stay aware of. Be sure to stay wary of the following side effects:
- Blood clots in one’s treated veins
- Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent
- Infections in the skin
- Skin ulcerations in the injection site
- Severe discomfort and inflammation in the injection site
You can discuss with your physician whether you are at risk for incurring any of the above side effects. They can then determine whether it is safe for you to proceed with your procedure.
After Your Procedure
In general, there is little downtime or recovery period associated with sclerotherapy. However, you may be advised to take care with the following precautions after your procedure:
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Avoid excessive sunlight and hot water.
- Stay active and mobile following your procedure.
- Avoid flying after your procedure.
Ultimately, every patient’s veins are unique, and this will reflect in your personal recovery time.
The Best Vein Clinic in Beverly Hills
Cloud Med Spa is one of the most highly regarded venues for receiving sclerotherapy and other appearance-enhancing procedures. If you’re interested in discussing the possibility of receiving this type of treatment with one of our doctors, contact our luxury medical spa today to discuss some of the specifics surrounding this.