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Spider Vein Removal

 

Spider Vein removal, or Sclerotherapy, is a medical procedure used to eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins. The process is simple, quick, and reliable. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue and completely fades from veiw. It is a proven method that has been put into practice since the 1930s and only requires that you do not partake in any aerobic activity for a few days after the procedure.

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Is Sclerotherapy for you?

Prior to the prodedure, you will have an initial consultation with our medical director or nurse practitioner to decide if you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy. You are not eligible if you are pregnant or bedridden, however, taking birth control pills does not effect your eligibility. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis and will depend on the overall health of the area needing treatment, as well as the reason for the clot. Veins that are potentially usable for future surgical bypass procedures (i.e. use of the saphenous vein, a large vein in the leg used for coronary artery bypass graft surgery) will generally not be considered for sclerotherapy, unless they are already deemed unusable.

How is Sclerotherapy Done?

Sclerotherapy is a quick, non-surgical, procedure that usually takes only 15-20 minutes. In most cases, a salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. At this point, you may experience a mild discomfort and cramping for one to two minutes, particularly when larger veins are injected. The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the veins and the general medical condition of the patient.

What should you do before Sclerotherapy?

Prior to the vein injection, you should avoid taking certain medications. Talk to the doctor about all medications (including over the counter drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements) you are taking. If you need to take an antibiotic before sclerotherapy, contact your physician. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure. Some physicians recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (including Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin) or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy, however, Tylenol should not affect this procedure.

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects of sclerotherapy are generally mild and only last one or two days. Itching may occur for one or two days after the procedure. You may experience raised red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection site and can last several days or weeks.

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