Since the 1930s, sclerotherapy has been the procedure of choice for doctors and patients alike for the treatment of spider and varicose veins. Davin Haraway, DO, and his highly trained team at Tulsa Vein Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma, are ready to help you rid your legs of unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins. Request your appointment online or call today.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a long-standing in-office medical treatment for varicose and spider veins since the 1930s. Sclerotherapy plays out in three major steps:
Cleanse treatment area
While you are lying on your back, Dr. Haraway cleanses the treatment area with an antiseptic. You require no anesthesia for this procedure.
Inject affected vein
Dr. Haraway injects the affected vein with a chemical irritant (known as a sclerosant) using a fine needle.
Depending on the size and location of the vein and the state of your health, he may inject the solution in several areas during one session or choose to do a series of treatments over several sessions. Once Dr. Haraway injects the solution, you may feel slight irritation for a few seconds.
Compress and massage
After Dr. Haraway withdraws the needle from each injection site, he applies pressure and massages the area to distribute the chemical agent.
Typically a sclerotherapy session takes place in about 30 minutes. Immediately after treatment, you can resume normal activities. You will need to wear compression stockings and avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks. Over the next several weeks to months, the chemical agent injected into the vein irritates the vein’s lining, causing the vein to collapse and your body to reabsorb it.
How do I prepare for a sclerotherapy session?
Dr. Haraway provides you with specific instructions before your treatment, which include:
- Avoiding certain medications: Some antibiotics may cause skin staining while anti-inflammatory medication may counteract the chemical agent used in the procedure or increase bleeding
- Avoiding applying lotion to your legs
- Wearing or bringing comfortable clothing: Shorts or loose-fitting pants are recommended
Am I a good candidate for sclerotherapy?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not eligible for sclerotherapy, nor are bedridden (or non-walking) patients. Other factors affecting eligibility include previous issues with blood clots.
If you think you are a candidate for sclerotherapy, request a consultation at Tulsa Vein Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma online or by calling (918) 701-2020.