Sclerotherapy Treatment in Wichita, KS

What is Sclerotherapy?

This procedure can reduce or eliminate varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy treatment involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the vein. This causes the vein to shrink and eventually fade away. This process happens over time as the body absorbs the treated veins, and blood flow is redirected to healthier blood vessels.

Sclerocent solutions typically contain sodium tetradecyl sulfate, hypertonic saline, polidocanol, and glycerine/lidocaine/epinephrine.

Are You a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can commonly develop on legs and feet, while spider veins are small red or blue veins appearing just beneath the skin in various areas. Most people with spider or varicose veins are good candidates for sclerotherapy, but certain factors will determine if this treatment is right for you.

Generally, good candidates for sclerotherapy should:

Have visible varicose or spider veins: Sclerotherapy is for those with visible veins that cause discomfort, swelling, or heaviness in the legs. It’s also for those who want cosmetic improvement.
Be in good overall health: Patients should be in good general health with no underlying medical conditions that may affect the healing process.
Not be pregnant or nursing: Pregnant or nursing women are advised to postpone sclerotherapy, as hormonal changes can affect vein health and the effectiveness of the procedure.
Not have a blood clotting disorder: Those with a history of blood clotting disorders may not be good candidates as the procedure involves manipulating blood flow in the veins.

A consultation with Dr. Conrad can determine if sclerotherapy is right for you. During this consultation, he will review your medical history, evaluate your veins, ask about any concerns you have, and explain the potential risks involved.

What Are the Benefits of Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is one of the most effective and reliable ways of treating spider veins and small-to-medium-sized varicose veins. Some of its benefits include:

• Effective vein reduction: Sclerotherapy effectively treats spider and varicose veins and has a high patient satisfaction rate. Veins treated with sclerotherapy typically don’t come back.
• Minimally invasive procedure: Unlike surgical vein treatments, sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, and no anesthesia or large incisions are required, meaning a quicker recovery and fewer complications.
• Quick treatment sessions: Sclerotherapy sessions are short, usually less than an hour, and convenient for those with busy schedules.
• Little to no downtime: Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after their sclerotherapy procedure, so it’s a convenient option for those who want to minimize disruptions to their daily lives.
• Long-lasting results: Sclerotherapy offers long-lasting results, especially if you follow post-procedure care instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy works by injecting a sclerosant into the targeted vein with a fine needle. The sclerosant irritates the blood vessel’s lining and causes it to collapse. In time, the vein is absorbed by the body, blood circulation is rerouted to healthier veins, and blood flow in the treated area improves.

The procedure is customized for each patient by adjusting the concentration of the sclerosant and the number of injections needed based on the size and location of the affected veins. Sclerotherapy usually takes 30 to 45 minutes or more if several varicose veins are being treated. No anesthesia is required, and patients usually resume their normal routine immediately after the session.

Patients may feel a mild burning or stinging sensation during the injection, but sclerotherapy is generally well tolerated. One session may be enough for small veins, while more prominent veins may require multiple sessions spaced weeks apart.

What Is Recovery Like After Sclerotherapy?

There is no significant recovery period associated with sclerotherapy, as little to no downtime is involved, and most patients resume their routine activities immediately after the procedure. However, post-treatment guidelines generally include the following:

• Wear compression stockings: After the sclerotherapy treatment, patients should wear compression stockings as directed by Dr. Conrad. Compression helps reduce swelling, promotes healing, and improves circulation in the treated area.
• Avoid strenuous activities: While most daily activities can be resumed immediately, it’s best to avoid lifting heavy objects or performing strenuous tasks for a few days to avoid putting strain on the treated veins.
• Avoid sun exposure: To prevent hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration, protect the treated area(s) from sunlight.
• Manage discomfort: Some patients may experience mild discomfort, itching, or bruising at the injection sites, which usually resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicine and a cold compress can help.

What Results Can I Expect After Sclerotherapy?

Individual outcomes may vary, but most sclerotherapy patients see a significant reduction in the appearance of their problematic veins and are happy with their results. If you are considering this treatment, final results typically show within three to six weeks for spider veins and three to four months for varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy does not prevent new varicose or spider veins from forming. However, wearing compression garments, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of new veins forming.

Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider and Varicose Veins in Wichita, KS

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Conrad, offers sclerotherapy and other effective non-surgical treatments in Wichita, Kansas. Some of these non-invasive procedures include:

• Laser Vein Treatments
• Acne Scar Treatments
• CoolSculpting®

To learn more about sclerotherapy or laser vein treatment in Wichita, call (316) 681-2227. You can also use our online contact form to reach out to us.