If you are worried about the appearance of varicose veins or have physical discomfort, you should consider seeing a doctor. There are various risk factors for varicose veins, including age, obesity, sex, pregnancy, and family history. Obese people are also more at risk of getting varicose veins compared to others.
In general, varicose veins appear blue, purple, or red in color and may seem swollen and protruding. There is the option of sclerotherapy, which is considered one of the best treatments for varicose veins or spider veins. Before you look for sclerotherapy services Boise, here are some things to know.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that works best for spider veins. The treatment involves injecting a sterile and foamy solution into the affected vein, which causes it to collapse and shrink.
Your body is capable of rerouting the blood, and therefore, the procedure is quite safe. The results from sclerotherapy are immediate, but in some cases, it can multiple treatments to see more effective results.
How is sclerotherapy done?
It takes about an hour to get done with sclerotherapy, and there is no downtime. You can get back to your routine almost immediately after treatment.
Your doctor will ask you to wear compression stockings for a period of 10 days or more. Since this is a non-invasive procedure, there is rarely any pain. Some patients can have a burning sensation after the injection, but the discomfort fades away in seconds.
If you have more discomfort, your doctor will recommend anti-inflammatories. If you are seeking treatment for varicose veins, you may need at least a couple of sessions to see the full effects. If you have more varicose veins, you may need more treatments.
The ideal candidate for sclerotherapy
The first consultation with your doctor would be about discussing your medical history. If you are pregnant, you cannot get sclerotherapy done right away. Also, some veins are used for bypass surgeries in the future, and if the affected vein is such, your doctor may not recommend sclerotherapy for the same.
There can be some redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site, which should subside in a day or two. It is also best to walk immediately after sclerotherapy, but make sure that you don’t engage in extreme activities.
Ask your doctor about the stockings that you can use, and make sure to wear them for at least two weeks. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins when done right.