SCLEROTHERAPY SANTA BARBARA

Sclerotherapy Santa Barbara – Spider Vein Treatment Santa Barbara

This corrective procedure eliminates spider veins by utilizing fine microneedles. Sclerotherapy has been used since the 1920s. A solution will be injected into the patient’s superficial blood vessels. Eventually, they will disappear entirely. that causes them to blanch and eventually disappear. A treatment session lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.

What Should Patients Expect From The Procedure?

Fine spider veins (also known as telangiectasias) are corrected. Varicose veins are treated, in addition to the symptoms associated with this common issue, such as the pain of the legs, heaviness, and fatigue. Most will require three separate sessions to achieve the desired results. Spider veins of the knees, thighs, and calves are treated. Spider veins of the ankles or feet cannot be treated because of a greater risk of skin breakdown in these areas.

Before the procedure takes place, patients must fill out a questionnaire to access their risk level of sclerotherapy complications. You will be asked if you are taking estrogen, blood thinner or if you have a history of forming blood clots. Questions about tobacco usage are also asked.

From there, the legs are examined to see if you are a proper candidate for sclerotherapy. You are asked to lie down on the table during the procedure and the spider vein areas are cleaned. After that, the solution is injected and the vessels start to blanch. The areas are then cleaned and compression is applied to the area. Tape is also added and an ACE wrap is used to increase the compression. Compression stockings are also put on. Once the session has taken place, you must wear compression stockings for at least 2 weeks for lasting results.

* Disclaimer

Who Cannot Receive Sclerotherapy?

Patients with contra-indications cannot receive sclerotherapy and these are reasons that may lead to a serious complication or a bad cosmetic outcome. Some of these indications include:

1) history of stroke, blood clots, heart attacks

2) uncontrolled health issues such as elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or edema (severe swelling of the legs)

3) history of skin infections (especially in the legs)

4) history of heart valve replacement or recent joint replacements

5) if you are taking blood thinners, estrogen, aspirin, fish oil, garlic, ginseng, gingko, NSAIDs, Fish oil, Vitamin E, or any other supplements

6) history of auto-immune diseases (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus)

7) history of lymphoma, leukemia, or organ transplant. These questions will be asked prior to the therapy and you may require blood work as well.

How Successful Is This Therapy?

On average, one Sclerotherapy session eliminates about 50 to 80 percent of all visible spider veins. A smaller percentage of people do not respond to the treatment. In most cases, the spider veins will completely disappear or become much lighter after compression stockings have been worn for at least two weeks post procedure.

How Can Patients prepare for the Procedure?

Full length 15-30 mmHg compression stockings must be ordered by the patient and brought to the appointment. They are put on after the sclerotherapy session. The compression stockings are worn full time for 2 days. The stockings can then be removed during sleep but must still be worn during the day. High exertion exercise must be avoided for two weeks after the sessions.

Blood thinners, aspirin and NSAIDs, and Aspirin should be avoided by patients for at least 48 hours before and after their Sclerotherapy treatments.

Patients can resume their normal activities the day of their treatment. Be sure to note that the results of the treatment are not instantaneous. You must continue to wear the compression stockings for at least two weeks after the treatment is completed, in order to achieve the desired results.