Sclerotherapy

Proper circulation is essential for not only a healthy and functioning cardiovascular system but also for keeping your legs free of varicose and spider veins. If you struggle with bothersome veins or you regularly experience leg pain, aches or swelling, Time 4 U Med Spa has the treatment you need to help you look and feel your best.

At Time 4 U Med Spa, Dr. Lisa Gulcher and her professional staff are ready to offer you quick and easy vein treatments. If bulging varicose veins or patches of unsightly spider veins have you feeling self-conscious in your own skin, schedule a consultation to learn how sclerotherapy can help eliminate your problem veins.

What Are Varicose and Spider Veins?

Varicose and spider veins are symptoms of a larger health issue called venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency develops when blood is allowed to flow backward and pool in the legs, darkening the veins and causing them to protrude outwards. Varicose veins are visible as twisting, bulging veins that are blue in color. Spider veins are typically found in patches and appear as thin, web-like red veins just beneath the surface of the skin.

The veins are responsible for transporting blood back toward the heart after it has been circulated throughout the body. In order to pump back upward and against the force of gravity, veins use a system of one-way valves designed to keep blood moving in the proper direction. By utilizing these valves and the contractions of surrounding muscles, veins located in the lower body are able to push blood up and toward the heart to become oxygenated once again.

Due to aging, genetics and poor health, the one-way valves can begin to fail, allowing blood to become stuck in the legs. A sedentary lifestyle or long periods of sitting or standing can also keep blood from circulating properly. Without properly functioning circulation, blood is allowed to pool in the leg veins, creating unsightly varicose and spider veins.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a chemical solution called sclerosant to eliminate insufficient veins. Sclerotherapy is designed for use in veins that are smaller in size and located close to the surface of the skin. During the treatment, Dr. Gulcher injects the sclerosant into the problem veins using a very fine needle. After a series of injections along the length of the vein, the vein walls will stick together, eventually causing the vein to collapse completely. With the vein sealed off from circulation, the body will naturally redirect blood flow to healthier veins and safely absorb the treated vein.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Good candidates for sclerotherapy are patients with varicose or spider veins that are interested in minimally invasive and nonsurgical treatment. Adult patients of any age may be treated with sclerotherapy, although venous insufficiency is more common with patients over 50. Sclerotherapy can be used to treat patients with cosmetic concerns or functional concerns due to leg swelling, cramps or aches.

Each sclerotherapy treatment lasts about 30 minutes to one hour. Most patients find the procedure relatively comfortable, although topical anesthesia may be used if necessary. Optimal results typically require a series of three to six treatments, depending on the patient’s needs. Appointments may be scheduled one to two weeks apart.

While venous insufficiency may initially manifest as simply a cosmetic issue, leaving varicose and spider veins untreated can eventually lead to health complications. Insufficient veins are a symptom of a larger problem that can be treated using sclerotherapy and lifestyle changes to avoid more painful and dangerous symptoms in the future.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a gentle procedure that does not produce any overly uncomfortable or painful side effects. Patients may experience some minor swelling, bruising, tenderness or redness in the treated areas for one to two weeks. Following a sclerotherapy treatment, patients are encouraged to walk in order to facilitate healthy blood flow. Patients may return to work the same day as their procedure if desired.

How Long Do Results Last?

Results will be immediately noticeable and continue to improve with each treatment. Following treatment via sclerotherapy, the targeted veins are sealed off for good and will not come back. Sclerotherapy is not a curative treatment, however, and will not address the venous insufficiency that originally caused the varicose or spider veins. Patients are not immune to developing more insufficient veins, although sclerotherapy may be repeated as necessary.

In order to ensure long-lasting results and healthy blood flow, patients are recommended to incorporate some lifestyle changes. Eating a healthier diet, exercising more frequently and wearing compression garments are some simple adjustments that can be made to improve circulation throughout the body and improve venous insufficiency.

Beautiful, Smooth Legs at Time 4 U Med Spa

If you are interested in minimally invasive sclerotherapy treatments to eliminate your varicose or spider veins, schedule a consultation at Time 4 U Med Spa. Dr. Gulcher and her team will take the time to listen to your concerns and evaluate your health issues, creating an individualized treatment plan that is right for you. Call Time 4 U Med Spa today to book your consultation and be on your way to smooth, youthful legs.

*The information about sclerotherapy was reviewed by Dr. Lisa Gulcher. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.