Sclerotherapy is a quick outpatient procedure for vein treatment with minimal risks and discomfort. The process involves injecting a problematic vein with a solution known as a sclerosant that will cause the vein to scar and close. After the vein has died, blood will be redirected through healthier blood vessels, alleviating the discomfort and appearance of painful and unsightly veins affected by a number of conditions. Because of the ease, speed and low risk of sclerotherapy, the treatment provides an effective and reliable solution to several common vein disorders. Here are three of those disorders.
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Spider Veins
Spider veins appear as webs of red or blue clusters of veins near the surface of the skin. High blood pressure in specific blood vessels causes veins to dilate and present the appearance of spider veins. The causes of spider veins are unclear, but sclerotherapy has proven to be an effective way to treat the condition.
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Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are more pronounced, swollen and occasionally painful. When the valves controlling the direction of blood flow in veins are damaged, blood accumulates and creates varicose veins. The condition can arise for a number of different reasons, including weight gain, pregnancy and long periods of standing. As with other vein conditions, sclerotherapy redirects blood flow by closing off the vein, thereby alleviating swelling.
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Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids can cause itching, pain and bleeding. With thrombosis in particular, hemorrhoids can lead to substantial pain and discomfort. The most common cases of hemorrhoids arise from blood pooling in veins as a result of repeated straining during bowel movements or pregnancy. Sclerotherapy works best on small inflamed hemorrhoids on the inner region of the anus. After therapy and a brief period of recovery, sclerotherapy can effectively eliminate certain hemorrhoids.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
