Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins & Varicose Veins
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Located in Westchester, NY
Sclerotherapy is used at the Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale to treat varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure, which has been used successfully for years, involves injecting a solution into the veins, which causes their linings to contract and the veins to disappear.
The certified dermatologists at Westchester Center for Dermatology perform sclerotherapy treatments to patients from both of our offices located in Manhattan and Scarsdale, NY.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
How can sclerotherapy remove my varicose veins or spider veins?
The dermatologists at the Westchester Center for Dermatology can examine your veins and see if they are good candidates for this treatment. If sclerotherapy is indicated, a salt solution is injected directly into the veins. The entire procedure takes about thirty minutes or so to complete in our office. There may be mild discomfort from the injection or even some cramping, especially when large veins are treated, but this only lasts one or two minutes.
What precautions should I take before my varicose veins treatment?
You should let the medical dermatologist who is going to perform the sclerotherapy know about any antibiotics you are taking, because use of these, including tetracycline, during the ten days preceding the treatment may lead to skin discoloration. Prednisone should be discontinued for two days before the treatment as well, and you should check with the doctor who prescribed it to see if its use can be safely interrupted. For the two days prior to your varicose vein treatment, you should avoid taking any aspirin or ibuprofen, with the approval of your prescribing physician.
What should I expect from a sclerotherapy procedure?
To prepare yourself, you should know what to expect during sclerotherapy. The initial phase comprises a detailed consultation where the healthcare provider evaluates the patient’s medical history, conducts a physical examination to assess the condition of the veins, and provides instructions for pre- and post-treatment preparations.
Once deemed suitable for the procedure, the dermatologist will prepare the patient by cleansing the targeted area. A sclerosing solution is then injected directly into the affected veins, inducing irritation that causes them to collapse and fade over time. The procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, varying based on the number of veins being treated.
In complex cases, ultrasound guidance may be utilized for precision. Regular sessions may also be recommended for a comprehensive and effective vein treatment process.
What should I expect after a sclerotherapy treatment?
After treatment by one of our dermatologists in Scarsdale, you will be instructed to go home and keep your legs elevated until the next morning. You will be able to remove the dressings the next morning and resume all your normal activities. You may be instructed to wear support hosiery and should stay away from hot baths, saunas, and whirlpools for two days following the procedure. You will also be instructed to avoid sun bathing or other exposure to direct sunlight during this short recovery time and should refrain from taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications during this time, but Tylenol may be used if necessary. You may shower and wash the area with mild soaps, but the temperature of the water should be lukewarm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sclerotherapy, a treatment that uses injections to shrink veins, doesn’t stop new spider or varicose veins from forming. These often result from genetics and lifestyle, and may need additional treatment.
Sclerotherapy for spider veins and varicose veins is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding are not thoroughly studied, so it’s advised to wait until breastfeeding is finished before considering the procedure.
Sclerotherapy is effective for many spider veins and smaller varicose veins, but may not be suitable for all types. More prominent varicose veins might require alternative treatments like surgery or laser therapy. The procedure’s suitability varies based on vein condition, size, and location, determined by a healthcare provider’s assessment.
The only way to determine if our varicose veins treatment is right for you is by getting a consultation. Our doctors are board-certified dermatologists in Scarsdale with vast experience performing sclerotherapy treatments to our patients throughout New York.
Contact us in our Scarsdale office for a consultation or to learn how we can provide you with complete acne treatment.
