Is the sclerotherapy treatment painful? Find out now!
You’re getting ready for your long-awaited beach vacation. As you lay out your favorite swimsuit, you catch a glimpse of your legs in the mirror. The sight of unsightly spider veins criss crossing your thighs dampens your excitement. You’ve heard about sclerotherapy, but you’re worried about the pain. At Vein Doctor for Women, we understand your concerns, and we’re here to provide you with all the information you need about the sclerotherapy treatment.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that has helped countless individuals regain confidence in their appearance by eliminating spider veins and varicose veins. However, the fear of pain can make many hesitant to proceed with the treatment. In this article, we describe if sclerotherapy is painful, what to expect during and after the process, and the steps we take at Vein Doctor for Women to ensure your experience is as comfortable and safe as possible.
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
When considering sclerotherapy, it’s natural to be concerned about pain. After all, the idea of having a solution injected directly into your veins might sound uncomfortable. However, sclerotherapy is generally well-tolerated by most patients, and the pain is minimal, if any.
During the treatment, a board-certified vein doctor will use a fine needle to inject a sclerosing solution directly into the affected veins. The needle used is extremely small, so most patients report feeling only a slight pinch or a mild stinging sensation. The discomfort is usually fleeting, lasting only a few seconds with each injection. For individuals who are particularly sensitive or anxious about needles, we can apply a numbing cream to the treatment area before the process to dull any sensation.
What to Expect During and After Sclerotherapy
The Injection Process
The actual injection is relatively quick. After you’ve been comfortably positioned, your vein doctor will carefully cleanse the treatment area. Using a tiny needle, the doctor will inject the sclerosing solution directly into the problematic veins. The solution works by irritating the lining of the veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade from view.
Each injection takes only a few seconds, and depending on the extent of your spider veins or varicose veins, the entire treatment may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Most patients find the experience to be much less intimidating than they initially feared.
Immediate After Effects
Immediately after the sclerotherapy process, you might notice slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. This is a normal reaction and typically subsides within a few days. You may also experience a mild itching sensation, which is also temporary. To aid the healing process, your vein doctor may advise you to wear compression stockings for a few days after the treatment. Compression helps to keep the treated veins closed, promoting better results and reducing any post-procedural discomfort.
Long-Term Results
The results aren’t immediate. Over the weeks following the process, the treated veins will gradually fade. You’ll likely notice significant improvement within three to six weeks for smaller spider veins, while larger varicose veins may take up to four months to fully disappear.
The good news is that once treated, the veins do not return. However, it’s important to note that sclerotherapy doesn’t prevent new veins from forming. You may need additional treatments in the future if new spider veins or varicose veins appear.
Steps We Take to Ensure Optimal Safety and Comfort with Sclerotherapy
At Vein Doctor for Women, we understand that undergoing any medical treatment can be nerve-wracking, so we’ve implemented several measures to ensure that your sclerotherapy experience is as comfortable and reassuring as possible.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Before your sclerotherapy process, our vein doctors conduct a thorough evaluation, including duplex ultrasound, to diagnose the root cause of your spider veins or varicose veins. This allows us to curate a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By addressing the underlying chronic venous insufficiency, we ensure that your treatment is not only effective but also medically necessary, increasing the likelihood that your insurance will cover the treatment.
Use of Numbing Agents
To further minimize any discomfort, we offer the option of applying a topical numbing cream to the treatment area before the injections. This step is particularly beneficial for patients who are more sensitive to pain or anxious about the process. The numbing cream helps to dull any sensation, making the injections virtually painless.
State-of-the-Art Techniques
Our vein doctors at Vein Doctor for Women are Ivy League-educated, Harvard-trained, and board-certified in venous and lymphatic medicine. They utilize the latest, state-of-the-art techniques to perform sclerotherapy with precision and care. This not only ensures optimal results but also minimizes any discomfort during the treatment. The use of fine-gauge needles and gentle injection techniques significantly reduces the sensation felt by patients.
Post-Treatment Care and Support
After sclerotherapy, our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We recommend wearing compression stockings to support the treated veins and reduce swelling. Our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Contact Us to Determine Your Candidacy for Sclerotherapy
If you’re struggling with spider veins or varicose veins and are considering sclerotherapy, we encourage you to reach out to Vein Doctor for Women to learn more about the treatment. Sclerotherapy is a quick, minimally invasive treatment that offers long-lasting results with minimal discomfort. Our board-certified vein doctors are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and comfort throughout your treatment.
Most vein treatments are covered by medical insurance if they’re deemed medically necessary. While spider veins are often viewed as a cosmetic concern, the treatment for their root cause—often venous insufficiency—is typically covered by insurance. If you’re diagnosed with venous insufficiency, your sclerotherapy may also be covered.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists and determine if sclerotherapy is right for you. Our vein clinics are conveniently located in New York, Long Island, California, Maryland, and New Jersey, making it easy to find a location near you.
