Your veins are a critical part of your circulatory system. When they fail to function correctly, it can lead to enlarged and bulging veins, called spider or varicose veins. Spider veins bring an unpleasant, aged look to the surface of your skin, and varicose veins can make your legs feel tired, achy, and painful. Thanks to innovative cosmetic treatments, you can reduce or eliminate such veins. Mimi Lee, MD in Little Rock, AR offers sclerotherapy treatments to treat these conditions.
How Long Does Sclerotherapy Last?
Existing veins that are treated will fade away, but new veins can form over time. Once you receive treatment, the effects cannot be undone. However, if a hereditary condition causes your veins, you may need to undergo continuous treatment. The good news is that you can undergo multiple therapies if needed, and the outcomes will be just as permanent.
Unlike some cosmetic treatments, you won’t notice results immediately. Patients who undergo sclerotherapy for small veins will typically see visible results within three to six weeks. If you have larger veins, it may take three to four months before you notice changes. If you plan on shedding inches around the same time, it is advisable to undergo treatment before starting your diet and exercise plan. Losing weight before treatment can make the appearance of your veins more noticeable.
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider veins are small, red vessels that leave marks on your skin similar to a spider’s web pattern, hence their name. Varicose veins are large blood vessels that are raised and swollen. While both types are visible on the skin around your legs, spider veins do not usually cause discomfort, while varicose veins may.
How Does It Work?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical technique that can treat spider veins and small varicose veins. During your appointment, Mimi Lee, MD, will inject each vein with a small amount of medication that causes the veins to collapse and close off without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Once they have closed off, your body will naturally absorb them over the next couple of weeks by converting them into fibrous tissue. Your healthy veins will continue to carry blood throughout your body.
Most patients typically require two to four treatments that are scheduled a few weeks apart from each other. In the case of very severe varicose veins, you may need to come in for additional sessions before you can achieve your desired results.
Preparing for Treatment
Before your appointment, you will need to purchase a pair of compression stockings and bring them with you to your session. These stockings will apply extra pressure on your lower legs to help maintain blood flow and reduce swelling. You can take any medications you are on as usual and will not be required to fast.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
During your appointment, you will relax on the table as your skin is cleaned with an alcohol solution. You will then receive a sclerosing solution injection that uses a very fine needle to deliver the substance into your veins. The number of injections you receive is reliant on the size and location of your veins. Each session should last anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. During treatment, you can listen to music, relax, or take a short nap.
What to Expect Post-Treatment
After treatment, you will put on your compression stockings and continue to wear them any time you’re on your feet for the next week or so. You will also have to walk for at least a half-hour a day following the first 14 days of your appointment. Most people can resume their normal activities right away, although you should avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for five days.
Who Is Eligible?
Men and women struggling with veins can benefit from treatment, but a few factors come into play. Women who are currently pregnant do not quality for sclerotherapy. You may also be potentially disqualified if you’ve ever experienced a blood clot. Veins are a common condition and affect almost half of those who are 50 years of age or older.
Overall eligibility depends on the condition of your treatment area, your general health, and your lifestyle. If you have had a blood clot in the past, whether you can receive treatment depends on what caused the clot.
Is It Affordable?
Since spider veins are not considered a medical condition, most insurance companies consider it a cosmetic treatment and will not cover the costs. If your veins are painful and causing medical complications, your health plan may be able to help with the costs. On the other hand, this treatment doesn’t require hospitalization, which means you can save a ton of money on hospital bills, anesthetic, and other expenses that you’re usually stuck paying.
Eliminate Your Visible Veins Today!
Whether you are currently suffering from spider veins, varicose veins, or a combination of both, you don’t to anymore. Thanks to the development of non-invasive outpatients like sclerotherapy, you can quickly eliminate unsightly and painful veins in just minutes. With no hospitalization or downtime required, you don’t have to burn holes in your wallet or take time off work.
If you are prepared to get rid of your veins once and for all, contact Mimi Lee, MD in Little Rock, AR, to set up a consultation today. You are just one appointment away from glowingly smooth skin!