Do you cringe at the thought of wearing shorts? Many people who have varicose veins choose to wear pants to hide their appearance. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are often purple or blue in color. Although they aren’t hazardous to your health, they can be unsightly, leading many people to wish to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that can get rid of your unsightly varicose veins once and for all. Dadeland Dermatology, located in Kendall, Florida, provides sclerotherapy to people who want more attractive and even-toned skin.
Approximately one in five adults will get varicose veins at some point. While some people may not feel anything from varicose veins, others report throbbing pain or itching.
Forms of sclerotherapy existed in the 19th century, but have evolved. David Rodriguez, MD uses a fine needle to inject the varicose vein with a solution. The solution contains an irritant that causes the vein to swell. As the vein swells, it cuts off blood flow, which ultimately shrinks and safely kills the vein.
Over the next three to six weeks, your body’s lymphatic system flushes out the debris and reveals your results. Sclerotherapy can remove up to 90% of varicose veins but may require several treatments.
The first step in undergoing sclerotherapy is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Dr. Rodriguez will go over your medical history and perform a physical examination of the area you’d like to treat.
If he decides you are a good candidate, he may ask you what herbal supplements and medications you are taking to see if they will interfere with your procedure. Dr. Rodriguez may instruct you to stop taking aspirin or other blood thinners before your treatment.
You will be instructed to avoid the use of lotions to the treatment area for a few days prior.
If you’re considering sclerotherapy, you may be wondering what it feels like. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and experience mild discomfort, rather than pain. You might notice a mild burning or cramping sensation when a larger vein is injected. The whole procedure takes 30-45 minutes.
Dr. Rodriguez advises you to wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks after treatment. Many patients experience mild bruising or tenderness, but this often resolves in a few days. You can take Tylenol to minimize pain and keep you comfortable while you heal.
Stay active and go for walks the week following your treatment. Do not sit or stand for long periods, and make sure to stretch your calves and ankles periodically. Avoid any high-impact workouts and stay away from hot tubs and saunas for a week. Drink plenty of water, and don’t consume salty foods for two-three days following your treatment.
Say goodbye to varicose veins with sclerotherapy. Schedule your consultation today by calling 305-250-2056 or booking online.
