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Name: Sclerotherapy Breakdown: injection therapy For: spider and varicose veins Description: A solution is injected into the problem vein to irritate the lining of the vein and cause it to seal shut. Time: 30-60 minutes, 2-4 treatments, monthly Pain Factor: anywhere from a small sting to burning or cramping for a few minutes in the area where the shot was given Aftermath: compression stocking for a short period Success: 50-90% improvement Possible Side Effects: hyper-pigmentation, blood clots, allergic reaction.
Types of Sclerotherapy
Name: Ultrasound-guided Foam Sclerotherapy Breakdown: sclerotherapy using a foam injection For: varicose veins Description: Sclerosant foam is injected through a needle into the vein and monitored by ultrasound. The foam causes inflammation of the vein walls and vein occlusion Time: in most cases, one treatment Pain Factor: anywhere from a small sting to burning or cramping for a few minutes in the area where the shot was given Aftermath: a hard lump and bruising Success: short term: 67%-97%, no long term evidence Possible Side Effects: deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, allergy
Name: Microsclerotherapy Breakdown: injection therapy for cosmetic vein removal For: thread veins, spider veins, broken veins Description: An extremely fine needle injects a sclerosant fluid that makes the vein wall stick to itself, obliterating it. Time: varies, repeat injections required in some cases in weekly intervals Pain Factor: minor discomfort during injection Aftermath: compression stocking, avoid vigorous exercise for a few days Possible Side Effects: brown stain, allergic reaction
Name: Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy / Echo-Sclerotherapy Breakdown: ultrasound guides placement of needle For: large veins beneath the skin Description: ultrasound imaging guides needle placement, needle delivers medication that destroys the lining of the blood vessel and seals it shut Pain Factor: local anesthesia Possible Side Effects: hyper-igmentation, deep vein thrombosis, allergic reaction
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Gary H. Dworkin, MD was born in Cleveland Ohio and is a board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon... (read more)
