What is sclerotherapy vein treatment?
What are spider veins?
What are varicose veins?
How many sclerotherapy treatments are required for successful treatment?
What can I expect after the procedure?
Is sclerotherapy a painful procedure?
What happens if spider veins are not treated?
Is there any harm in removing spider veins?
Can anyone undergo sclerotherapy?

What is sclerotherapy vein treatment?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injection therapy used to treat varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves injection of a sclerosing solution into the damaged veins using a very fine, thin needle. The solution irritates the vein lining causing it to undergo fibrosis and eventually disappear. Multiple veins can be injected at each session. The sclerosing solution used may be either hypertonic saline or sodium tetradecylsulfate.
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What are spider veins?
Spider veins are most common in women in the age groups 30-50. This has been related to the hormone estrogen and pregnancy. Spider veins look like a network pattern in a circular fashion. These light purple veins usually appear in a lattice pattern and are completely harmless.
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What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins (varicosities) are bulging, abnormally enlarged veins near the surface of the skin, commonly found in the legs or pelvis area. The failure of these veins to circulate blood properly causes blood to pool within the vein. Each vein has a series of valves, which are designed to prevent blood from flowing backwards. When these malfunction they allow blood to collect creating pressure inside the vein and form protruding, unsightly veins that are often accompanied by discomfort or pain.
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How many sclerotherapy treatments are required for successful treatment?
The number of sclerotherapy treatments varies from individual to individual and depend on the vein size and number. Typically 2-4 treatments is a normal average. In patients with milder cases, 1-2 will suffice. The treatments are more when there are more veins or slightly larger veins.

You should also be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visable; it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.
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What can I expect after the procedure?
One of the major benefits of sclerotherapy is the lack of downtime after the procedure. Patients can immediately resume work and walking is highly recommended after the procedure. But any vigorous activity should be avoided.
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Is sclerotherapy a painful procedure?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure, but does require the use of small needle injections. A light burning sensation lasts a few seconds as the sclerosant agent affects the vein. Most individuals tolerate the procedure and do not require any type of anesthesia and claim that the procedure is much less than painful than anticipated.
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What happens if spider veins are not treated?
Spider veins are small veins which are nothing more than a cosmetic nuisance. They do not form blood clots, they do not ache, and they do not cause swollen feet or pain.
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Is there any harm in removing spider veins?
Spider veins have no function and removing does no harm. The only reason they are removed is because of their unsightly cosmetic appearance.
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Can anyone undergo sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy should not be performed on those who are pregnant or nursing, have a history of allergic reaction to sclerosant, or who have blood clots or inflammation in the deep leg veins. Candidates with certain medical conditions such as blood-borne, infectious, and cardiac diseases, as well as those with high blood pressure or diabetes, may not be able to receive sclerotherapy.
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