Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a specialized treatment for surface and branch varicosities. The procedure is both safe and very effective. It involves injecting a sclerosant medication into the abnormal veins using ultrasound mapping, which causes the veins to close. Your body will eventually dissolve these veins and absorb them.
Is Sclerotherapy Safe?
Yes. Nearly half a million people are treated every year with rare incidences of complications. Talk to your doctor to understand your options, potential outcomes and risks. SKINovative & CVD uses FDA-approved sclerotherapy solutions only.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy:
- is safe
- only takes 20 to 30 minutes in most cases
- is performed in-office
- requires little-to-no downtime
Sclerotherapy closes and collapses spider veins and varicose veins. Thereafter, veins can gradually reduce.
You are NOT eligible for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant. If you have suffered a blood clot in the past, eligibility will be determined on a case by case basis. Your eligibility will depend on the reason of the blood clot and your overall health.
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
Sclerotherapy for spider veins is uncomfortable but not painful. Some redness and bruising may occur which can fade away in a few days. You may be able to drive yourself home and possibly resume all your regular activities.
When varicose veins are injected with the sclerotherapy solution, a burning sensation may occur. The discomfort may lasts a few minutes. Compression stocking may be required to improve results.
In both case, walking is encouraged, but you should refrain from hot showers, hot tubs and strenuous exercises.
How Does It Work?
Dr. Fulton starts by creating a diagnostic map of your veins using ultrasound. This map precisely shows all your abnormal veins and helps us identify the source of the surface varicosities.
After the ultrasound, Dr. Fulton will numb the treatment area with a small amount of local anesthetic for your comfort. Using the ultrasound mapping, we will inject the abnormal veins with sclerosant medication while observing the process on the ultrasound monitor.
Once injected, the treated vein will spasm shut and eventually the body will dissolve and absorb the closed veins. The number of injections needed depends on the mapping and severity of your varicose veins.
What Happens After Treatment?
After your procedure we will put on a series of band-aids or tape, and will apply a compression sock while you’re on the table. We recommend that you wear these socks during the day for 4-7 days after treatment.
On the day of the procedure, you should limit yourself to low-impact activity. You will be able to resume your normal activities the day after your treatment.
Four to six weeks after your initial procedure, we’ll have you come in for a check up. You can expect another diagnostic ultrasound mapping to find additional veins that need treatment, or to address areas of discomfort.
Sclerotherapy Benefits for Varicose and Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy can help achieve your goals. It is highly effective in reducing or eliminating unsightly varicose veins, reticular veins or spider veins. The great majority of patients are happy with the results and feel better about themselves, and that’s one of the most important benefits.
Little to No Downtime
Another benefit of sclerotherapy is that it is a simple procedure. No hospitalization is required, making sclerotherapy a very affordable, painless and convenient procedure – a huge plus. A sclerotherapy injection can be performed in a vein specialist’s office, and results are readily visible. The procedure is usually completed in 15 to 20 minutes, and normal daily activities can be resumed immediately.
Treat Cosmetic and Pain Issues Together
While most cases of spider veins are indeed a cosmetic problem, in some patients they can cause aching and pain in the affected limbs. Sclerotherapy can relieve these symptoms. As with any medical procedure, sclerotherapy also has potential risks and downsides.
Quick Facts You Need to Know About Sclerotherapy
Definitive results
If you were treated for small varicose veins or spider veins, you can usually expect to see definitive results in three to six weeks. Larger veins may require three to four months. However, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the results you want.
Treated veins don't come back
Veins that respond to treatment generally don’t come back, but new veins may appear.
Your doctor will likely schedule a follow-up visit about a month after the procedure to check the procedure’s success and decide whether further sessions are needed. Generally, you need to wait about six weeks before undergoing another sclerotherapy session.
High Success Rate
Studies of sclerotherapy as a treatment for varicose and spider veins indicate that it has an overall success rate of about 60 to 80 percent in eliminating treated veins.
Schedule Your Consultation About Sclerotherapy
Call SKINovative at 480-690-5573 TODAY to book the next available opening or click the button below to send your request online.
