Sclerotherapy

What are varicose and spider veins?

Varicose and spider veins are both dilated veins that you can see. They’re a common condition that affects both men and women.

Varicose veins tend to develop in larger veins and create a bulging, blue line under your skin, and they most often occur on the legs. Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and don’t bulge, but cause you to develop red or blue spider web-like lines on your face, arms, or legs.

Although these veins can lead to health issues, such as chronic leg ulcers or blood clots, more often than not, you may want them removed because you don’t like how they look.

What is sclerotherapy?

Dr. Zakir and his team use sclerotherapy, which is a procedure they conduct at the office, to get rid of small varicose and spider veins. The procedure uses a special chemical that causes the vein to collapse and disappear.

Dr. Zakir and his team can get rid of larger varicose veins using a newer treatment called foam sclerotherapy. It works in much the same way as traditional sclerotherapy but uses a foaming chemical to seal off the vein.

Dr. Zakir and his team determine which type of sclerotherapy is the better choice for you after an examination and review of your health history.

What can I expect during sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is an in-office procedure that usually takes about an hour and doesn’t require anesthesia. During treatment, the doctor injects the chemical directly into your vein.

You may feel a sting when the needle is inserted into your vein, but the pain is usually minimal. Depending on the size of the vein, you may need a few injections. The doctor and his team will develop a treatment plan before getting started, so you know what to expect.

After treatment, you should be able to walk around without any issues. The doctor recommends you wear compression stockings for at least two weeks after the procedure to support blood flow. You should also avoid strenuous exercise during the two-week healing period.

How long does it take for the veins to disappear?

The length of time it takes for the vein to disappear depends on the size of the vein treated. Spider and small varicose veins take three to six weeks, while larger varicose veins take up to four months. Dr. Zakir and his team will follow up with you regularly to monitor your progress.

To see if sclerotherapy is right for you, call Cardiac & Vascular Interventions of New Jersey or schedule an appointment online today.