Those who deal with pesty veins are often tired of how the condition impacts their appearance. But venous issues affect more than appearance. If left untreated, unwanted veins can cause itching, burning, swelling, and cramping.
Varicose veins impact 3 out of every 10 adults. The veins are most commonly found in feet and calves due to the pressure caused by persistent walking.
Thankfully, problematic veins can be eliminated through a safe procedure called sclerotherapy. During the procedure, veins are injected with a chemical solution that causes scarring, leading to the rerouting of the blood to healthier veins. But is sclerotherapy painful?
This article will discuss the sclerotherapy procedure so you know what to expect before you proceed with it.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
The sclerotherapy procedure is a form of varicose and spider vein treatment.
The procedure is safe and minimally invasive.
Vein specialists use a device to inject a saline solution into large veins. The chemical then causes scarring which redirects the blood to healthier veins.
The impacted vein then stops functioning. Eventually, it causes frustrating spider and varicose veins to disappear from visibility.
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
So is sclerotherapy painful?
Sclerotherapy is quick, efficient, and relatively pain-free. Most patients only require a few sessions, at most.
During the procedure, there may be a quick pinch created by the device itself. But sclerotherapy is far less painful than laser therapy. This is because the heat enters the veins through the solution, rather than heating the surface of the skin.
In some cases, patients may feel mild cramping and discomfort during the procedure. Those symptoms typically subside soon after patients leave their appointment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Many patients will experience mild side effects in the days that follow sclerotherapy.
It’s not unusual to experience the following things:
- Redness
- Bruising
- Skin Discoloration
- Swelling
- Tiny Skin Sores
While these symptoms will subside quickly, some patients find the swelling uncomfortable. Swelling is treatable with over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen and Tylenol.
Experts also recommend wearing compression socks. The compression socks will cause swelling to disappear faster by applying pressure to the site to heal.
Activities to Avoid
The majority of patients resume their regular activities on the same day as their sclerotherapy treatment.
But vein specialists recommend avoiding some activities. Avoiding the following things will help ensure that the site of the veins heals properly, without complications.
Patients should refrain from:
- Flying on Airplanes
- Going Swimming
- Taking Hot Baths
- Using Saunas
- Running
- Exposing the Site to Direct Sunlight
Sclerotherapy Is Relatively Pain-Free
Spider and varicose veins are uncomfortable and at times, even painful. If you are battling frustrating veins, sclerotherapy is a safe and minimally invasive way to eliminate them.
But is sclerotherapy painful? It is relatively pain-free. There may be minor discomfort but it is generally short-lived, and the long-term gains are worth it.
If you are interested in sclerotherapy, our team can help. Contact us today, and sign up for our promotions. We would love to help you.
