Varicose veins and spider veins come in all shapes and sizes. The appearance of thin, small veins, such as spider veins or reticular veins, on the body are not always problematic but can be a cosmetic concern. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) notes that more than 40% of people suffer from different variants of varicose veins or spider veins. The risk for developing a vein condition increases with age. While spider veins are more of a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can be a severe health condition. If you're unsure what type of vein condition you have, it's crucial to speak to a doctor.
Sclerotherapy is one of the preferred methods to treat varicose veins and spider veins. In this treatment option, a medicine is injected into these veins, leading to the shrinkage of the veins. However, this method might not be suitable for everyone. Your physician will determine if you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy before offering you this treatment. The following factors are considered while choosing sclerotherapy.
Size and type of the veins
Your doctor will look at the size and type of vein and consider that when deciding on treatment. Your vascular surgeon will only offer you sclerotherapy if varicose veins are small and not too dilated. This method is not suitable for big varicosities. Therefore, it is frequently used to treat spider veins and reticular veins.
Age
The second important factor is your age. Sclerotherapy is best suited to individuals between 30 to 60 years of age. If you are outside of this age range, your doctor will review options, depending on your health history.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Both these factors make you unfit for sclerotherapy. Therefore, if you have recently given birth or are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will advise you of an alternative to sclerotherapy or ask that you wait for treatment.
Medical history of clotting disorders
Your medical history is crucial in deciding on sclerotherapy. If you have a clotting disease or have experienced clots in the veins in the past, then your doctor may not offer sclerotherapy as this treatment option can worsen clotting issues.
Allergies
Some individuals might be allergic to sclerosing agents that are injected into the veins to shrink them. Your doctor will want to review known allergies to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction to the treatment.
Mobility
Your vascular physician will only recommend sclerotherapy if you are mobile. It is not a good treatment option if you are bedridden. However, you can wait in such situations and get the treatment done once you are active.
Sclerotherapy treatment
If you are moving forward with sclerotherapy, it's vital to follow pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions. Your doctor will make the final decision and discuss the benefits of sclerotherapy and any necessary information. If you have some dilated veins that are bothering you, be sure to visit a vascular surgeon for evaluation and treatment.
