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Skin Improvement
 Plastic surgery sclerotherapy
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Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy - Definition
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat malfunctions of blood vessels and the lymphatic system. The procedure injects medicine into the vessels, which makes them shrink. Sclerotherapy is often used to treat varicose veins in women.
The Need for Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins (spider veins) are a common complaint of women. Their bulging and bluish appearance can be unsightly and also painful in some cases. And although much of the blame for varicose veins comes from genetics, hormones, pregnancy, and some medical conditions, sclerotherapy can help in many cases to reduce the appearance of the veins.
Sclerotherapy - The Problems with Varicose Veins
To begin, a patient needs to understand varicose veins. Sometimes called ‘spider’ veins, these veins can be found anywhere on the body, though mainly on the legs and the face. Varicose veins are caused by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. These veins can present themselves in purple or red web-like patterns. Although it is simple to say that varicose veins are caused by the enlargement of particular veins, there are underlying causes for this size change. The veins’ walls may have begun to weaken; or it may be due to a weakening of the vein valves. In some cases, varicose veins are medically dangerous and need to be addressed. Some varicose veins are caused by phlebitis—an inflammation of the vein, venous stasis ulcers—when proper drainage is not achieved in the vein, an ulcer forms, or thromboses—when blood clots form in the vein. Although genetics can play a part in the formation of varicose veins, pregnancy and hormonal changes can also cause the veins to appear.
Sclerotherapy - Finding a Surgeon
In terms of finding a physician to perform sclerotherapy, a patient would do well to research their options. First, if no referrals can be found among friends and coworkers, a call to the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons can help to steer the patient to reputable physicians. Many clinics are now offering less expensive services with less experienced physicians. As the veins may be an indication of a more serious medical condition, it is important that the patient find a qualified physician who specializes in veins. If the physician that a patient goes to for sclerotherapy only treats the cosmetic problem, then an underlying medical condition can go untreated with dire consequences.The best candidates for sclerotherapy are those that have been medically cleared by a physician. There should be no major health problems or mental problems that might hinder the healing of the patient after the sclerotherapy. Specific methods of treatment will be determined by the age of the patient, the tolerance of the sclerotherapy, and the extent of the area the patient wants treated. It is imperative that the initial consultation goes over any possible medical conditions that may interfere with the sclerotherapy process.
Sclerotherapy - Procedure
In sclerotherapy, the area that is to be treated with be injected with a saline solution, or other specially made solution. The solution hardens under the skins surface, surrounding the offending varicose vein and causing it to collapse. The healthy blood vessels surrounding the destroyed ones will readily absorb the blood that is released. The entire sclerotherapy process takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the extent of the area to be treated. The sclerotherapy can be performed in a surgical center or in a physician’s office or hospital depending on the extent of the area to be treated.
Sclerotherapy - Side Effects
Many patients do not report serious side effects after sclerotherapy when they have gone to a reputable physician. In some cases, the area is sensitive to the touch and can be slightly painful for a few days. Most patients are instructed to wear a compression garment of some sort (depending on the area treated) in order to reduce any swelling that may occur. The swelling can be controlled by elevation or by cold compresses in the days following the sclerotherapy. Most patients can return to work immediately and will be back to normal within a week or so.
Sclerotherapy - Results
Results of sclerotherapy will last as long as new veins do not emerge to the skin’s surface. Keeping the area in compression stockings or other wraps can help to avoid this problem. Additional sclerotherapy treatments may be necessary to ensure that all of the unwanted veins are destroyed.