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Treatment / Sclerotherapy

Are unsightly varicose or spider veins causing you to feel embarrassed or self-conscious in your skin? Nearly 55 percent of women and 45 percent of men suffer from venous insufficiency, making visible veins an all-too-common concern for many. These problem veins aren’t just a cosmetic nuisance; when left untreated, they can lead to potentially uncomfortable symptoms as well as a number of health complications, including a number of skin conditions and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

If bulging varicose veins or discolored spider veins are causing you to experience leg pain, soreness or swelling, or are merely standing in the way of your self-confidence, Interventional and Vascular Consultants are here to help. Our doctors will help to identify the underlying cause of your venous insufficiency to alleviate your symptoms and help you to avoid further issues in the years to come. Now is the time to take action and improve the function and appearance of your veins by scheduling a consultation appointment at Interventional and Vascular Consultants today.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is often considered to be the gold standard when it comes to treating insufficient veins. It is a minimally-invasive and highly effective therapy that is designed to eliminate prominent varicose and spider veins. The sclerotherapy method involves the injection of a specialized solution that works to irritate the lining of the affected vein. Over time, the solution causes the targeted vein to close off and redirect blood flow to healthy veins. The treated vein will eventually turn into scar tissue, which is then processed and eliminated naturally by the body. At Interventional and Vascular Consultants, we have helped countless patients achieve better vein health and a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance with sclerotherapy.

Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

When you visit Interventional and Vascular Consultants for the treatment of varicose or spider veins, your doctor will first sit down with you to discuss your medical history, concerns and what to expect from your results. Diagnostic testing may be performed, which will likely include ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy during the procedure.

Ideal candidates for sclerotherapy are men and women who are bothered by the appearance or uncomfortable side effects of insufficient veins and meet the following criteria:

  • Have realistic expectations
  • Are between the ages of 30 and 60
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding for a period of at least three months
  • Understand that sclerotherapy will not prevent the development of new insufficient veins

Your candidacy for sclerotherapy will depend on your specific diagnosis and consultation with your interventional radiologist (IR) at IVC. However, if you are currently suffering from painful or unsightly veins, sclerotherapy may be an appropriate solution for you. The best way to find out if sclerotherapy is right for you is to call our office at 503-612-0498 and schedule your initial consultation. You can also read our brochure about varicose veins to learn more about venous insufficiency and the treatment options available to you.

What to Expect From the Procedure

Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive and straightforward procedure performed in an outpatient setting at IVC. The treatment will typically take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete depending on your concerns. Your interventional radiologist (IR) will use a very fine needle to inject the vein-dissolving solution into the varicose and spider veins. You may feel small needle sticks and possibly a mild burning sensation, but most patients tolerate the treatment well. The number of veins that can be addressed during your treatment session will vary by the size and location of the affected veins.

Recovery

As a nonsurgical and minimally-invasive procedure, there is no downtime necessary after your sclerotherapy appointment. Most of our patients feel comfortable returning to their regular daily routine immediately after their treatment is complete. In fact, we often encourage patients to continue with work or activity to promote healthy circulation and accelerate the recovery process. You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcomes for your treatment, which will likely include wearing compression hosiery or specialized wraps to compress the treated veins for a few days after the procedure.

Limitations of Sclerotherapy

Depending on the size, location and number of insufficient veins that require treatment, a more comprehensive treatment approach may be recommended for you to achieve your desired results. A personalized vein treatment plan at IVC may include a combination of any of the following minimally-invasive vein therapies:

  • Sclerotherapy: A highly effective and minimally-invasive injectable treatment for eliminating varicose veins without anesthesia or downtime.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy: A minimally-invasive outpatient procedure that creates small punctures in the skin to remove varicose veins.
  • Endovenous laser therapy (ELVT): An advanced and minimally-invasive treatment that uses laser technology to eliminate varicose veins in an effective and virtually painless procedure.

Results

The exact number and frequency of sclerotherapy treatments you will require will vary by the location of the problem veins and their condition. A majority of patients will require three to five sclerotherapy sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve their desired results. In some cases, the same vein may need to be treated more than once to eliminate it effectively. You should expect the problem veins treated with sclerotherapy to fully respond to the injected solution within:

  • Three to four months for larger varicose veins
  • Three to six weeks for smaller spider veins

Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure, with each treatment session typically resulting in the elimination of 50 to 80 percent of treated veins. It is important to note, however, that new visible veins can develop over time and may require you to return for additional injections. At IVC, your doctor will take the time to assess your situation and design a treatment scheduled tailored to your needs.

If you have unsightly or uncomfortable varicose and spider veins, then consider sclerotherapy to comfortably treat your venous insufficiency without discomfort or downtime. Contact Interventional Vascular Consultants today at 503-612-0498 to schedule your initial consultation with our vein experts.

*This information about sclerotherapy was reviewed by Dr. Jason R. Bauer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us using the form below.

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We are announcing that Interventional and Vascular Consultants will be closing as of March 10, 2023.

We would like to thank you for the trust you have given us over the years, participating in your healthcare needs has been a privilege.

To assist in a smooth transition to a new provider, you may access your records from your MyHealth account or request a copy of medical records by clicking the link below and completing the Release of Information form.

Medical Records Release Form

Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship with you and wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Jason Bauer, MD RVT
Michael Pfister, MD RVT

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