What Types of Sclerotherapy are there and Which One is Best
Types of Sclerotherapy for Vein Removal
Feeling frustrated or self conscious because of visible varicose veins on your legs? These swollen veins often have a major effect on your physical wellbeing. Some of the most common symptoms include achiness, heavy feeling in the legs, a burning or throbbing sensation, muscle cramping, swelling, heightened feelings of pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time, itchiness surrounding one or more of your veins, skin discoloration around the veins, veins that appear dark purple or blue, or veins that are twisted, bulging, or look like cords. The pain and discomfort that come along with varicose veins take a toll on one’s mental health, as well. Thankfully, there are many treatments available.
Miami Sclerotherapy Provided By Fox Vein & Laser Experts
Sclerotherapy is one of the top vein removal treatments in the industry. This quick and easy procedure, also least invasive, is comfortable and safe. We prefer Miami sclerotherapy treatment for our patients here at Fox Vein & Laser Experts. No downtime needed and no surgery or sutures.
Dr. Susan B. Fox, D. O., RPVI, FSVM, offers three different types of sclerotherapy treatments. While all three procedures are aimed at treating and removing varicose veins, the size and location of the affected vein determines which procedure provides the best and most successful results.
For small varicose veins or spider veins, Fox Vein & Laser Experts uses visual sclerotherapy. Simply, it features a medicated solution to treat the vein. The solution injects directly into the damaged vein through a fine needle and then disrupts the lining of the vessels. The walls of the vein then stick together and seal shut, which allows blood to then reroute to healthy veins and flow freely and functionally again. The treated veins eventually turn into scar tissue naturally absorbed by the body. As a result, new tissue grows in its place.
Foam Sclerotherapy Is For Large Varicose Veins
There are many types of sclerotherapy. For large varicose veins, we use foam sclerotherapy. This is essentially the same thing as visual sclerotherapy, except that instead of just using a medicated solution by itself, the solution is mixed with small amounts of air in order to create a foam. The foam can cover a bigger area than the solution can on its own, which allows Dr. Fox to reach larger, underlying varicose veins that otherwise might not be able to be treated with traditional, visual sclerotherapy.
The medication is a different consistency, but the treatment is the same. Just like the solution, the foam disrupts the vessel walls and causes them to stick together and seat shut so blood can reroute to healthy veins. The treated veins are naturally absorbed by the body, allowing room for healthy new skin to grow.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Other types of sclerotherapy include ultrasound guided. This is a third type of sclerotherapy performed at Fox Vein & Laser Experts in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Ultrasound guidance helps treat varicose veins located deep below the surface of the skin and not as easily visible to the naked eye. Because veins may be difficult to see with the naked eye, Dr. Fox may elect to add foam sclerotherapy in tandem with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. This helps with the exact placement of the foam substance if the vein is too hard to see. Using the ultrasound for guidance helps to make sure that the foam reaches its target and also prevents any excess foam from being wasted.
Regardless of which varicose vein removal treatment you choose, sclerotherapy features results. The amount of treatment required varies per patient, depending on their current health condition, health goals, the size and location of the damaged veins, among other potential factors. Although there is no downtime or recovery required following a procedure, Dr. Fox and her team recommend that you follow the protocol she sets forth to help with the healing process and decrease the risk of developing more varicose veins.
Post-Sclerotherapy Healing Protocol
This protocol includes incorporating a walking regimen into your routine and wearing compression stockings to help with blood circulation. Frequent walking, or just moving around in some way, promotes healthy blood flow to prevent blood clotting and other health complications.
The compression stockings should be worn all the time for the first couple days following a sclerotherapy procedure. After that initial time frame, it’s ok to only wear them during the day for a few more weeks. Keep the compression stockings handy, however, for any time you feel aches and pains in the leg area, or feel as though your blood circulation is not operating at its best.
Contact us at Fox Vein & Laser Experts
Don’t let varicose veins take over your life. No matter the size or placement, Fox Vein & Laser Experts can help. Call our office at 954-627-1045 to schedule a consultation with our team to determine which type of sclerotherapy treatment is best for you.