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Varicose Vein Treatment in St. Louis
Common Conditions Treated with Sclerotherapy

 

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for improving the appearance of spider veins, but it can also used to treat smaller varicose veins. In addition reducing the visibility of veins, sclerotherapy is also used to treat other symptoms related to spider and varicose veins, including aching, swelling, and burning around the affected veins. In order to determine if sclerotherapy is the best treatment, Dr. Rao will consider several factors including:

 

  • Pregnancy, as pregnant patients are ineligible for the procedure

  • Past history of blood clots

  • If a vein may be needed for a future bypass surgery

 

To find out if you are a candidate for sclerotherapy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rao.

 

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

 

Sclerotherapy is done in Dr. Rao’s office and typically does not require any anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately an hour or less to complete. You may experience a minor stinging when the fine needle is inserted into the vein but the feeling will subside quickly. You can return to your normal daily activities after your appointment but you should plan to avoid sun exposure until the veins completely disappear, this can often take from eight to twelve weeks.  Also, strenuous activities and heavy exercise should be avoided for approximately one week.  For proper healing, Dr. Rao may recommend that you wear compression stockings for one to two weeks after the procedure as well. You can expect to see full results in six to eight weeks but it can take longer if the veins are larger. 

Sclerotherapy in St. Louis

 

Sclerotherapy is medical procedure commonly used for treating spider and small varicose veins. During the procedure a small needle is inserted into the vein and a solution is injected that causes the affected vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, and the blood to reroute to healthier veins. Afterwards the vein will scar, collapse, and slowly dissolve, and within a few weeks to a month the vein will fade. Sometimes multiple treatments may be necessary for the vein to fully fade. 

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