Advantages of Foam Sclerotherapy to Remove Spider Veins

Patients in Jackson, Tennessee and in other areas of the country have found success through foam sclerotherapy. This procedure has helped many patients find relief from spider veins. Spider veins are not a medical concern, but may cause embarrassment and self-consciousness due to their unappealing appearance. Many patients seek relief from spider veins and have found it through foam sclerotherapy.

While this procedure is primarily used to treat spider veins, it may also be used to treat small varicose veins as well. Patients with larger varicose veins may be encouraged to explore other treatment options such as VNUS and endovenous laser ablation. Before receiving any treatment, patients should discuss their condition with a qualified vein specialist to determine if they are suffering from spider veins or varicose veins. Typically, varicose veins are bulging and larger than varicose veins. Depending on the diagnosis the recommendations of the vein specialist may vary.

Foam sclerotherapy utilizes a foam sclerant that irritates the vessel wall, causing the vein to collapse, shrink and fade away. As the vein is no longer able to carry blood, other veins will take over blood flow. The foam sclerant is similar to the consistency of shaving cream, and is delivered through tiny injections made directly into the problem vein. Ultrasound technology is usually used to verify the correct placement of the injections and to track the treatment. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Foam sclerotherapy differs from traditional sclerotherapy in that traditional methods use a liquid sclerant instead of the foam sclerant used in foam sclerotherapy. The foam formulation is more effective in displacing blood in the vein, thus increasing the surface area of the vein wall directly contacted by the sclerant. The foam formulation is also easier to track on ultrasound.

Following treatment, patients are usually able to return to work immediately. This is one of the distinct advantages of foam sclerotherapy that separates it from other, more invasive options that may require some degree of downtime. Compression stockings may be prescribed or recommended for a couple of days following foam sclerotherapy to encourage healthy healing and to promote blood flow in the legs.

In many cases, just one treatment is required to reach optimal results. Some patients, however, require multiple treatments to reach optimal results. Patients interested in foam sclerotherapy are encouraged to discuss this with a qualified vein specialist in the Jackson area. There is a risk of certain complications with foam sclerotherapy, including a small risk of microembolisms. These are tiny blood clots in the treatment area and should be discussed with a licensed professional. Itching, redness and bruising are also possible side effects of foam sclerotherapy, although these usually resolve on their own within a few days.

Most insurance carriers do not cover foam sclerotherapy, as it is typically used as a cosmetic procedure to relieve spider veins. When the treatment is used to treat varicose veins that cause painful symptoms, however, insurance carriers may cover the cost of treatment. Most treatments range in price from $200 to $500, although this may vary.

Those interested in foam sclerotherapy are encouraged to consult a trained professional to discuss their condition and the treatment in greater detail. This is the best resource for further information pertaining to venous conditions and treatments.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Jackson, Tennessee.