Sclerotherapy
At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, our board-certified dermatologists commonly use sclerotherapy to treat people living in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Kendall and surrounding areas, with varicose veins and spider veins of the thighs and legs. Not only can these types of veins be painful, but they are typically enlarged and red and blue in color, causing individuals to feel self-conscious about their appearance.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy works by injecting a type of solution directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time, the blood vessel collapses, becomes scar tissue and fades away.
The expert board-certified dermatologists at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute will discuss the best sclerotherapy agent for each patient. The sclerotherapy agent is injected into a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The number of veins injected in one session will depend on the size and location of the veins. A sclerotherapy procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Multiple treatment sessions are typically needed, and new veins may appear in other locations on the face, chest and legs.
For larger varicose veins, there may be some mild discomfort after the treatment. Patients are able to drive themselves home and may resume normal activities right away. You will be instructed to wear support hosiery or compression wraps on the treated vessels. After the procedure, aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided for at least 48 hours. Tylenol may be used if needed. Hot baths, sitting in a sauna, and warm compresses must be avoided for 48 hours after treatment. Direct exposure to sunlight, jogging, aerobics and swimming should also be curtailed for seven to 10 days after the procedure.
To find out which vein treatments are right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our expert board-certified dermatologists at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute today. We treat residents of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Kendall and nearby areas.
