Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayAm I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
If you have visible spider veins in your legs you may wonder what you can do about them, or if you are simply stuck with them for life.
Spider veins are the small bluish-purple veins that lie close to the surface level of the skin. They tend to cluster on the calves, thighs and ankle area. Though generally not painful, they are unsightly and embarrassing to many women who feel as if they have to make fashion choices around them, leaving them to wear long pants even in warmer weather.
Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure where a specialized solution is injected into the affected veins. The injection causes the damaged veins to collapse on themselves, closing. With no blood flow, they become invisible to the eye and no longer a part of the path of healthy blood flow.
To be a good candidate for this procedure, the ideal is to be between 30-60 years of age, though older patients may also benefit depending on health. Though more common in women, spider veins do form in men as well and they may also be treated in the same way.
Holding a realistic expectation
It may take more than one session to achieve the results you are looking for. Veins treated will fade over time. Each session, the veins become lighter and less visible. Following all instructions carefully will help you attain the best possible outcome.
- Do not wear or use any lotion or sunblock on your legs.
- Wear shorts for the procedure.
- Drink plenty of water.
You may have some slight discoloration or bruising from the procedure itself, this will last from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on your own personal healing time.
The procedure itself lasts from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the severity of the damaged vein area. Pictures are taken beforehand to compare results accurately later on. You will lay on a comfortable examination table in your doctor’s office, the skin on the area to be treated will be cleaned and sterilized. Injections will then be applied to the areas needed. A cotton ball with medical tape will be applied to any area injection sites. On average, 5 to 40 injections are needed per treatment (1 injection for every inch of vein).
No medication should be needed following sclerotherapy and though rest is needed, walking afterwards will help your legs get back to normal faster. The vast majority of patients have remarked: “I wish I had done this sooner.”
If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a consultation, please visit www.westfloridavein.com or call us 727-712-3233. Our Vein Specialists at West Florida Vein Center look forward to being a part of your healing journey.