Sclerotherapy:
Varicose Vein &
Spider Vein Removal

In order to see the best results of sclerotherapy in Flint, MI, there are several things you should either avoid or keep in mind. 

• Don’t take any OTC pain medications or anti-inflammatories like aspirin, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen. 
• Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, or any kind of heat exposure.
• Take showers with slightly cooler water temperatures.
• Wash the skin around the injection site with cool to warm water and mild cleaning soap.
• Don’t use any kind of heat compress around the treatment area.
• Stay out of the sun and don’t use a tanning bed for at least 48 hours after your treatment.

A few things you should do during sclerotherapy recovery include:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days
• Don’t fly on an airplane for at least a week after your treatment
• Remember to stand up and walk regularly to promote healthy circulation

Talk with your doctor to make sure you know which medications to avoid taking before and after your treatment, and how long you should wait before taking them again.

After undergoing sclerotherapy, it’s essential to plan for a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider. Typically, this will occur about a month or two after your initial treatment.

During this visit, your provider can assess your progress and check how well the treatment is working.

This includes tests and evaluations like:

• Physical Examination: Your provider may perform a physical exam to evaluate the treated areas and ensure proper healing.
• Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your specific case, they might recommend blood tests or imaging studies to monitor any improvements or to rule out complications.
• Future Sessions: If your treatment plan involves multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, your next appointment might be scheduled two to three months post the initial treatment.

These follow-up visits are crucial in ensuring that your recovery is on track and to address any concerns you might have. Always adhere to your provider’s specific recommendations regarding follow-up care.

Sclerotherapy is a mild treatment with only a few minor side effects, but as with any medical procedure, there can be some serious side effects. As mentioned above, the most common side effects include:  

• Bruising at the injection site
• Inflammation around the injection site
• Stinging pain during the injection
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling 

All of these minor side effects can be either prevented or managed using the after-care instructions from your doctor. Compression stockings will also help you manage your side effects. However, if you want to prevent skin discoloration, then you need to avoid sun exposure or tanning.

Some mild allergic reactions are normal responses to sclerotherapy, and they will usually fade in time. Generally, mild allergic reactions will cause:

• Rashes
• Inflammation
• Itching

In addition to these minor side effects, you might experience:

• Lumpy or Hard Veins: Larger injected veins can become lumpy or hard, which may take several months to resolve.
• Redness: This should subside within a few days after the treatment.
• Brown Lines or Spots: These can appear at the injection site and usually disappear within three to six months. However, about 5% of cases might result in permanent discoloration.
• Development of Tiny Blood Vessels: These may appear in the treated area days or weeks after the procedure and should fade within a few months, often without further treatment.

Signs of a serious reaction to sclerotherapy, and will require immediate medical care, include:

• Inflammation within five inches of the groin
• Sudden swelling of the leg
• Small ulcers forming at the injection site
• Red streaking, particularly in the groin area

Being informed about both common and rare side effects helps you manage your expectations and recognize when to seek medical advice, ensuring a smoother recovery process.

Is Sclerotherapy Safe?

Sclerotherapy treatment is safe, effective, and approved by the FDA for both spider vein removal and varicose vein removal.

How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?

The costs of sclerotherapy will depend on each patient. Each patient will require a different number of injections, for their individual conditions.

The sum total cost of sclerotherapy treatment will include the doctor’s fee. The cost of the compression stockings is additional.

Is Laser Treatment Better Than Sclerotherapy?

Determining whether laser treatment is more beneficial than sclerotherapy largely depends on individual circumstances and the specifics of each case. Let’s explore both options:

Laser Treatment (Endovenous Thermal Ablation):

• Effectiveness: Laser treatment is often favored for its ability to target deeper, larger varicose veins without the need for surgical incisions.
• Procedure: It involves using focused laser heat to close off the varicose vein, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins.

Pros:

• Generally safe and minimally invasive
• Quick recovery time

Cons:

• May not be suitable for veins that are excessively twisted
• Possibility of side effects, such as skin burns or nerve injury

Sclerotherapy:

• Effectiveness: Commonly used for treating smaller spider veins and varicose veins close to the skin’s surface.
• Procedure: Involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade.

Pros:

• Can treat multiple veins in a single session
• Minimal discomfort during the procedure

Cons:

• Multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results
• Possible side effects include bruising or temporary skin discoloration

One of our VeinSolutions providers will assess the structure and condition of your veins to guide your decision. Factors like the size, location, and severity of the veins will play a crucial role. Comparing these elements will help determine the most suitable and effective treatment for you.

What is the Recovery Time for a Sclerotherapy?

After treatment, spider veins usually take about three to six weeks to fully disappear. Depending on your condition, you may need multiple treatments in order to experience total results.

Recovery from sclerotherapy is typically swift and straightforward. You can drive yourself home and resume most of your usual activities right after the procedure. Incorporating light walking into your daily routine is highly encouraged, as it aids in your recovery process and helps achieve optimal results.

Remember, while the cosmetic improvements might take time to become fully visible, the minimal downtime and quick return to daily life make sclerotherapy a convenient option for many seeking treatment for spider veins.

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Sclerotherapy?

Many of the treatments we offer are considered medically necessary. Insurance providers are required to provide coverage for medically necessary treatments. However, spider vein treatments are not generally considered medically necessary, but instead are considered cosmetic procedures.

If your varicose veins make your day-to-day life difficult because of any of the following symptoms, then your insurance will most likely give you coverage.

• Tired, sore, and aching legs
• Leg cramps
• Skin discoloration around the diseased vein
• Skin ulcers developing from venous insufficiency (stasis ulcers)
• Throbbing leg pain
• Tired and heavy feelings in the legs

When you come into our office for vein sclerotherapy treatment in Flint or Lapeer, Michigan, one of our vein doctors will examine your veins to determine which ones will be best treated by sclerotherapy. Your health history will also be reviewed to ensure treatment does not put you at risk for any serious complications.

Visit Vein Solutions Flint to find out more about the solutions we offer to our patients.

Our board-certified vein doctors, surgeons, and support staff can help answer your questions, and recommend the best vein treatments for you.