What is Sclerotherapy Pittsburgh
About Sclerotherapy Pittsburgh Area…
What is Sclerotherapy ?
It is an office based procedures to eliminate spider veins legs, and other areas. Sclerotherapy consists of a series of tiny injections of a special solution right into those tiny little veins that irritate you so much! This causes the vein to seal off ans shut down from the inside. This allows the body to redirect the flow of blood to healthy veins. The procedure is nearly painless. The veins stick together and then shrink and close offuntil your body eventually absorbs them and they disappear!.
Safe!
Sclerotherapy has been safely used since the 1930’s, and has become the gold standard proven procedure for the treatment of small veins. Used to treat visible small veins near the skin’s surface, it is an excellent tool for the treatment of smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Often two to three sessions are necessary for larger patches of veins; however, the outcomes are very long-lasting.
Step 1: Doppler Ultrasound Exam
Vein Pittsburgh Varicose Vein and Spider Treatment, DVT checks, and Ultrasound Vein Tests are available in our Cranberry twp vein clinic, our Butler vein center and our vein center in Beaver, PA
Our Physicians are Board Certified in Surgery and have years of experience treating veins with great outcomes in both comfort and appearance. Their treatment philosophy encourages them to offer a full range of treatment modalities to treat the entire spectrum of vein disease. All treatments begin with a very thorough Vein exam that includes a Doppler Ultrasound exam.
Step 2 Laser Vein Removal
Q: Are there any permanent ways to treat varicose and spider veins?
A: Vein specialist consider many vein procedures permanent treatment for varicose and spider veins. We consider veins we treat with RF Closure, EVLT, and vein glue permanent. However vein disease is slowly progressive as we age. Humans have ten miles of veins in their body. You must address the reflux and venous insufficiency to slow the appearance of unsightly spider veins. Otherwise spider veins can occur forever in new places.
Q: Can Lasers be used to treat small reticular and spider veins located on faces,hands, chests, legs,noses and elsewhere?
A: Yes, at our sister company located within the the Advanced Vein Center, Body Beautiful Laser Medi-Spatrained staff also treats small 1-2 mm spider veins on noses, legs and the body entire body easily and with very little discomfort.
Q: Are there other ways to treat spider veins in Cranberry Twp, PA?
A: 1064 laser, IPL treatment, foam sclerotherapy, injectable sclerotherapy, Asclera, and saline injections are some other ways used to treat spider veins.
Step 3 Compression Therapy
When treating a case of Spider Veins (and many other conditions) we recommend you try conservative treatments first. Begin with compression therapy like prescription stockings. Compression therapy aims to apply graduated pressure up the leg to “squeeze” venous blood back up the leg veins. This is the simplest, and a less invasive, but also an effective ways to reduce venous insufficiency reflux.
Conservative methods like leg elevation or taking sitting breaks after standing on concrete at your job for long periods of time. Exercise regularly toimprove circulation as this also helps. Obesity worsens vein disease, so weight loss is also useful since.
Compression Garments are to be worn for a couple weeks after sclerotherapy treatment.
Step 4 Sclerotherapy
If any of the following occur, you may need medical attention. Consult your doctor if:
- You have excessive inflammation or redness within 6 inches of the groin on the leg that was treated.
- There’s sudden swelling in the involved leg.
- Ulcers or sores appear at or near the injection site.
Also possible are allergic reactions to the sclerotherapy medication, which will always occur at the site of injection. This is usually very minor. This normally occurs in patients with a history of allergic reaction to injectable medications. A minor reaction usually includes some itching, swelling, and redness. In cases of sensitive individuals, a test injection is administered to screen for a reaction.
What happens after the procedure
After treatment, you’ll be able to go right back to your daily activities with the exclusion of heavy lifting. We advise observing a lifting limit of 25 lbs. You’ll be able to drive yourself home, so you won’t need to bring a driver.
Prescription compression stockings will be a large part of your aftercare. This serves to compress the treated veins, making absolutely certain that they aren’t reopened by increased pressure. Note that these compression socks should be prescription stockings, not the drug store variety which don’t provide the proper level of compression.
Step 5 Great Looking Legs
It’s also important to avoid the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for about two days after your sclerotherapy. These include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin.We also recommend that patients avoid the following post sclerotherapy treatments:
- Hot baths in a tub. Shower instead.
- Saunas or tubs
- Heat packs
- Excessive sunlight exposure
As mentioned, take brief showers using water that’s cooler than normal. Wash the actual injections sites using a soft washcloth and mild soap.
The effectiveness of sclerotherapy
Several large scale studies have demonstrated a 50-80% obliteration of the veins treated via sclerotherapy. A very small percentage of people don’t respond whatsoever. We may use different sclerosing drugs in follow up treatments. As with any medical procedure, there isn’t any absolute guarantee of vein removal or reduction.
After treatment, most clusters of spider veins show great improvement in the three to six weeks following the procedure. Larger veins take longer to resolve, typically taking three or four months to disappear. While this is a permanent solution to lower extremity vein problems, it is possible for new problem veins to form.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects or Follow-Up Care Needed After Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is generally a safe treatment for varicose veins and spider veins, however just like many other treatments, it may come with some long-term effects, here are some of them with follow up care advices:
Long-term effects:
1. Pigmentation Changes: Occasionally brown lines or spots may appear on the injection sites, however they aren’t something you should worry about, as they will fade overtime.
2. Scarring: While uncommon, some patients may develop scars on the treated area especially the ones with weak skin, but they may disappear overtime as well.
3. New Veins: Unfortunately, Sclerotherapy does not help you prevent from developing new veins as it targets only the existing ones. Therefore, its possible for new ones to appear which might need treatment.
Follow-Up Care:
1. Compression Stockings: Your doctor will provide you with compressions stockings to compress the treated veins and help the improve the blood flow. You may need to wear these stocking few weeks or more depending on your doctor’s instructions.
2. Physical Activity: Activities like walking, swimming and light chores are recommended for a healthy recovery and an improved blood circulation, however make sure to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
3. Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure as much as possible, it may lead to pigmentation of the treated area and even interfere with the healing process of the veins. So avoid going out on a sunny day or at least wear sunscreen.
Are there any age restrictions for undergoing sclerotherapy?
Unfortunately, yes, depending on the different ages there are some restrictions:
Younger patients:
Younger patients have low risks of developing vein problems, so generally there’s no need for these treatments.
Adults:
There are usually no restrictions for adults, unless they are already suffering from another medical condition.
Elders:
Same as adults, unless they have problems like diabetes.