Unsightly varicose or spider veins can make it hard to feel confident about the appearance of your skin. For residents of Miami, Florida, professional sclerotherapy is one of many advanced treatments available from Dulce Mascarinas, DO, of DNAge Medical. Don’t accept bulging, dark veins as inevitable when there are treatments that can help. Call or schedule a consultation online today.
request an appointmentWhat are varicose and spider veins?
Varicose and spider veins are two examples of damaged blood vessels. The best way to understand these conditions is to think about how your veins normally work.
Each time your heart beats, it pumps oxygenated blood into your arteries, transporting it throughout your body. Your veins then move the deoxygenated blood back to your heart. Veins are one-way vessels with many small valves that keep blood moving in one direction.
When one or more of those valves becomes damaged, blood can pool in that vein section. The pooling causes that section of the vein to bulge and become dark red, blue, or purple, leading to the distinct appearance of varicose veins. Spider veins are smaller clusters of damaged veins that appear like a spider’s web.
How does sclerotherapy help treat damaged veins?
Sclerotherapy works by introducing a chemical solution into a damaged section of the vein. Multiple injections deliver the solution to the area of focus, where it works to break down the vein walls, causing the vein to collapse.
Your body then processes the vein tissue and pooled blood through the lymphatic system, eliminating it permanently. Over time, you’ll notice the treated veins slowly fading away.
Not long ago, a surgical procedure called vein stripping was the primary treatment option for damaged veins. This process is painful and carries a significant risk of infection and other complications. Sclerotherapy offers the chance to permanently eliminate damaged veins without the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Is sclerotherapy a painful process?
It’s normal to feel mild irritation and stinging or cramping sensations during treatments. Some sclerotherapy solutions contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that helps reduce these sensations.
Most people tolerate sclerotherapy treatments with ease. After your treatments, you may be advised to wear compression stockings for a while if the treated veins are on your legs. It would help if you also avoid strenuous activities for a few days, but there is no extensive downtime.
Your recovery experience depends on the size and location of your sclerotherapy treatment. During your consultation, your practitioner explains what to expect.
If you have additional questions or concerns about sclerotherapy, call the office to schedule a consultation or book a visit online in just a few moments.