Sclerotherapy involves the treatment of varicose or spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting sclerosing agents into damaged veins. Besides reducing or eliminating varicose or spider veins, sclerotherapy side effects are also reduced. Some of the notable signs and symptoms of varicose veins include pain, itching, cramps, and discoloration. Spider veins, on the other hand, are smaller and have less severe symptoms than varicose veins. Women are more susceptible to varicose veins than men, though varicose veins are not gender-specific. United Vein Centers have board-certified vein doctors in Chicago and other facilities across the US for Sclerotherapy procedures.

Possible sclerotherapy side effects

You may experience some burning sensation around the affected veins where you were injected, minor cramps, and stinging during the sclerotherapy procedure. Some common sclerotherapy side effects include:

• Discoloration of the skin
• Swelling
• Stinging
• Bruising
• General body discomfort

These are often mild side effects which should reduce within a few days. There are cases where spots or brown lines appear around the affected veins. These usually disappear within 3-6 months; they may become permanent spots in some rare cases.

You should maintain proper communication with your vein doctor after sclerotherapy to manage the treatment procedure’s possible side effects.

Things to expect after sclerotherapy

You don’t need hospital admission or prolonged rest after sclerotherapy as it is an in-office procedure. You’ll probably go back to work as soon as the same day. Sclerotherapy requires minimal to no rest and you will go about with your normal activities after this procedure.

After this procedure, you may need to wear compression socks as recommended by the vein doctor. After the first 24 hours, the compression socks should be worn daily and removed before sleeping at night.

An acetaminophen-based pain reliever will be prescribed for managing pain and discomfort. Within 48 hours of your recovery process, you will be asked to stay away from the beach, swimming pools, sunlight, and hot baths. Aerobic exercises should also be avoided for a few days during the sclerotherapy recovery process.

Outlook

The best way to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins is sclerotherapy. The side effects of sclerotherapy are minimal, and you will achieve excellent results if the procedure is well carried out. With United Vein Centers’ cutting edge technology (not laser technology), you will notice improvement within a few weeks. You may require more than one session to get the optimal result. Also, most insurance companies cover the cost of their client’s sclerotherapy procedure; you might need to check that with your health insurance provider. 

It is crucial to have a realistic expectation about sclerotherapy and its effectiveness in eliminating varicose veins and spider veins. Remember, it is a minimally non-invasive procedure.

Contact Us

United Vein Centers have lots of facilities in Chicago and across the US. Their board-certified doctors will help manage sclerotherapy side effects and determine if you’re a viable candidate for the procedure. Why not give us a trial today? Contact us today for a free screening.