If you’ve been experiencing stubborn spider and varicose veins, you might be due for a sclerotherapy consultation. Douglas Hamilton, MD specializes in treating men and women living in or around Woodland Hills, California, who want to get rid of unsightly veins. Get in touch with Dr. Hamilton by phone or by using the online booking tool to learn more about sclerotherapy.

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What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy refers to a noninvasive procedure that medical practitioners have been using since the 1930s.

During this procedure, Dr. Hamilton injects a saline solution directly into the treatment site through an extremely fine needle. The salt in the solution provokes an irritation in the blood vessel lining of the vein in question, causing it to collapse and the blood within it to clot.

The varicose or spider vein effectively fades from view once the blood vessel causing it has clotted and stopped the blood from clotting within it.

This minimally invasive procedure typically doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes.

Is sclerotherapy painful?

Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia and causes minimal pain. The only thing you might feel during the process is the quick prick of the needle containing the saline solution.

Remember, the salt solution is meant to provoke an irritation, so you might feel a cramp or slight discomfort in the injection area. Don’t worry, this is normal and dissipates within a few hours.

What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?

The most common sides effects of sclerotherapy include redness, light bruising, and pain in the injected area.

After the procedure, you might also notice brown spots around the injected area. This is entirely normal and will go away over time.

Less common but possible side effects also include:

  • Skin discoloration
  • Headaches and nausea
  • Allergic reaction to the saline solution

If you experience any of the above, contact Dr. Hamilton to discuss your symptoms.

Even less common is the formation of a blood clot inside the treatment area. If left untreated, the blood clot can lead to an embolism. This is extremely serious and can be life-threatening. Get in touch immediately if you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain.

What happens after sclerotherapy?*

After your sclerotherapy procedure, Dr. Hamilton recommends that you wear compression socks to increase blood flow and the repartition of the solution inside spider or varicose veins.

If your job requires you to stay seated for long periods, make sure to get up every hour and walk around. The more mobile you are, the lower your chances of a blood clot.

In addition to this, Dr. Hamilton recommends that you avoid:

  • Hot baths
  • Swimming pools
  • Weightlifting
  • Running
  • Airplanes
  • Sunlight exposure
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Saunas

Sclerotherapy makes varicose and spider veins look like the easiest thing in the world to get rid of. Get in touch today by phone or online to learn more.

*Individual results may vary