Sclerotherapy – essence and goals of the procedure
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of varicose veins. This therapy is one of the latest innovations in modern medicine, especially in the field of treatment of telangiectasias, venulectasias and reticular veins. Sclerotherapy is a completely medical procedure performed by a qualified phlebologist. We have one in our team, so you can count on our professional help in dealing with the difficult aesthetic and especially health problem called varicose veins.
When is sclerotherapy necessary?
As already mentioned, sclerotherapy is prescribed in the presence of an official diagnosis – preferably by a specialist in vascular medicine – varicose veins. In essence, this is a disease of the veins of the lower extremities, legs. The first stages of the disease are more like a cosmetic problem, because the so-called “stars of veins” are formed on the legs, burning or itching is felt. However, the diagnosis should be taken much more seriously because it develops rapidly and can lead to serious consequences such as severe venous inflammation, clots, blood vessel obstruction, immobilization and even limb amputation (very rare and especially if the problem is not treated).
Is sclerotherapy the only option for treating varicose veins?
In fact, no, it is not the only one. Moreover, it is a relatively new method of dealing with this health problem. In the past, for example, the disease has been treated mainly with conventional means, i.e. with drugs and topical treatment with analgesic and cooling effect, as well as with special medical compression stockings. For more severe cases, therapies such as surgical removal of varicose veins, laser treatment and the so-called CHIVA method are prescribed, which aims to direct the blood flow in healthy veins.
When is sclerotherapy recommended?
Sclerotherapy is usually used when conventional methods such as compression stockings and medications fail to affect varicose veins. Most often, this happens after the first phase of the disease. This phase, unfortunately, in 90% of cases is neglected by patients, which leads to more severe symptoms, such as throbbing and very painful veins, pain when walking, swelling and edema, as well as large hematomas. At the same time, for the most severe cases of varicose veins, sclerotherapy can no longer help and they resort to far more serious invasive procedures. In this regard, we continue to advise our patients to take measures for varicose veins as soon as possible to avoid complications and severe treatment. In practice, sclerotherapy is recommended in cases of telangiectasias, venulectasias, reticular veins and larger varicose veins.
How does the sclerotherapy procedure work?
This is a minimally invasive method of treating varicose veins, but nevertheless, it is used only by medical professionals. The procedure itself involves injecting a sclerosing agent (sclerosant) into the varicose vein. The main purpose is to glue the walls of the damaged vein, thus redirecting blood flow to adjacent, healthy veins. The whole procedure takes no more than half an hour.
Types of therapy according to the injected material
Liquid sclerosant is usually injected. In some cases of varicose veins, sclerosing foam is recommended instead of a liquid sclerosing agent. Moreover, when it comes to a larger vein, foam is the better option. In practice, however, the procedure remains the same. The idea of the foam is to cover the larger space between the two walls of the vein in order to achieve their maximum adhesion.
Possible side effects
Side effects are possible, but the more common ones are minimal and fade quickly. Usually, it is itching and mild hematomas that disappear in no more than two weeks after the procedure. There may be redness at the injection site, browning of the skin, and tightness of the vein being treated. All these side effects disappear with time, but it is important to say that in 1% of patients more serious complications are possible, including no effect of the procedure, as well as thrombophlebitis.
Before sclerotherapy
To avoid all these side effects, but especially to be successful treatment with sclerotherapy, the following factors are extremely important for the procedure:
- The therapy should be performed by a specialist, namely an angiologist or vascular surgeon.
- To make a preliminary consultation and obligatory ultrasound preliminary examination. Its purpose is to zone the areas with valvular reflux of the venous system.
- To assess whether sclerotherapy is the most appropriate method to deal with the diagnosis of varicose veins. Unfortunately, in an advanced stage of the disease, this should not be done at least because it will not show any effect.
With us, of course, you will receive the necessary consultation and explanation in detail of the procedure. We want our patients to receive the best treatment and we believe that it always starts with a correct diagnosis, precise identification of the stage of the disease and, of course, compliance with the most adequate possible therapy.
Advantages
Used for only 30 years, it is already receiving a serious response among the medical community, described as one of the most reliable and risk-free therapies for varicose veins. Experts point to a number of advantages of the procedure, including:
- Painless therapy. Although invasive, the procedure does not cause any discomfort to the patient.
- Speed. Sclerotherapy is performed for no more than half an hour. Its essential part lasts about 10 minutes, and for the rest of the time the skin of the affected area is prepared and the legs are bandaged.
- Fast recovery with minimal discomfort. Even if side effects occur, they subside in no more than two weeks and are relatively mild.
- Complications occur in extremely rare cases. This is 1% of cases and most often they are due to an unprofessional approach to the patient and the procedure itself.
- The effect is immediate. Although there is a recovery period, sclerotherapy is a therapy that immediately reflects the disease and the patient’s general feeling. The glued walls of the vein create a precondition in its area to no longer feel burning, pain and itching.
- The effectiveness of the therapy is extremely high. In over 90% of cases, patients literally forget about problems in the treated vein. Moreover, sclerotherapy allows treatment of several varicose veins at once with a single visit.
- Last but not least, sclerotherapy has a very serious aesthetic advantage over all other methods of dealing with the disease. No scars or bruises remain after the procedure. Redness is possible, as well as a slightly brownish tinge at the site of sclerosant injection, but they disappear relatively quickly.
Take advantage of the professionalism and individual approach in the treatment of varicose veins with the most modern and established techniques of modern sclerotherapy in our center for aesthetic medicine.
Prices
300 BGN per procedure.**
*The price includes 2 free check-ups within 30 days.
**The number of procedures and the method is determined after a detailed paid examination (100 BGN) with a Doppler ultrasound of the venous system and individual assessment of the condition of each patient.
Free consultation
In order not to disturb the peace during the procedures, we prefer initial contact via e-mail. We will contact you by phone as soon as possible after that and you will be able to take advantage of a -10% discount!
