Sclerotherapy in Knoxville, TN
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure commonly used to treat varicose or spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment that does not require hospitalization or general anesthesia. The board-certified vein specialists at Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center understand the causes of vein issues and how to treat them effectively. There are very few side effects to treatment, and you can resume regular activities immediately following treatment.
If you’re struggling with varicose veins or spider veins, sclerotherapy may be a treatment option for you. Patients in the Knoxville area can contact Premier Surgical today to schedule a consultation with a vein specialist.
What is Sclerotherapy Used For?
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both smaller spider veins and some varicose veins.
You may be a candidate for sclerotherapy if:
- You’re self-conscious about the appearance of your varicose or spider veins
- Your veins are causing discomfort
- You’re in pain or experiencing cramping in your legs
Got varicose veins? For a limited time new patients can request a free vein screening with Premier Vascular & Vein Center online or call (865) 588-8229 today!
Please note: The free screening is a visual assessment. If a diagnostic ultrasound is recommended, the ultrasound will be billed to your insurance plan.
How is Sclerotherapy Performed?
Sclerotherapy is a proven procedure that has been in use since the 1930s. It can be performed by a number of specialists, most often a board-certified dermatologist or cardiovascular surgeon. It is a very common procedure that usually takes less than an hour.
Sclerotherapy is performed by:
- First, your vein specialist will clean the area of your skin
- Next, an injection of a solution (usually a salt solution) is given directly into the vein and your vascular specialist will massage the area to help distribute the solution
- The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel and then, the vessel collapses and sticks together
- Without the flow of blood, your body’s tissues will start to absorb the vein
- Your problematic vessel turns into scar tissue and your body reroutes the vein’s blood flow to healthy veins instead
- There is no more blood flow to the troublesome veins
- Your vein fades completely over the next few weeks or months
What Should I Know Before Sclerotherapy?
Your vein specialist will evaluate you to determine what treatment option is right for you. There are different types of injections used in sclerotherapy depending on your needs.
Before the treatment, be sure to talk to your vascular specialist about your medications. You may need to stop taking anti-inflammatories or avoid alcohol and nicotine.
Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid lotion on the area prior to sclerotherapy.
Throughout the procedure you will be as comfortable as possible. If you feel uneasy about any part of the procedure, talk to your doctor about options to relieve your anxiety.
Most find the injections relatively painless, though you might experience a small amount of burning, tingling, or discomfort. The injections often contain a small amount of numbing agent to minimize any pain related to the procedure.
After Sclerotherapy
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities quickly after the procedure is complete.
After sclerotherapy you will be able to drive yourself home and resume your regular daily activities. Walking is also encouraged to help avoid blood clots.
Other recommendations after sclerotherapy include:
- Avoiding hot baths or saunas
- Showers are allowed, but water should be cooler than usual
- Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight
- Wearing support garments to compress the treated vessels for about two weeks
- Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 48 hours
- Washing injection site with a mild soap
Schedule a Sclerotherapy Consultation
Give us a call to talk about sclerotherapy. We can evaluate your veins and also check for any underlying blood vessel disease. We will also discuss other treatment options, so you can feel confident moving forward with the right option for your specific case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.