Light Assisted Sclerotherapy
Shiloh Medical Clinic offers cutting edge Light Assisted Sclerotherapy. Light Assisted Sclerotherapy provides the ability to be more precise in treatment. The light is the best technology to view the actual flow and conditions of your veins. We use the most advanced light on the market specific for sclerotherapy, called the VeinViewer II.
During light-assisted sclerotherapy, light illuminates the veins and their branch points. This allows the provider to clearly identify the source of the dysfunction and precisely perform sclerotherapy for better results.
Light Assisted Sclerotherapy injections are treatment for varicose veins, reticular veins, spider veins and broken capillaries.
Although light assisted sclerotherapy is non-surgical, it is not non-invasive. The treatment consists of multiple injections of a solution into the vein. The solution causes the vein to collapse, which leads to a loss of blood flow, making the vein shrink. When the vein shrinks, it is either less noticeable or becomes invisible on the surface of the skin.
Light Assisted Sclerotherapy is nearly painless, aside from a slight pinch when the needle is injected. Most patients report discomfort rather than pain. Sometimes one session of sclerotherapy is enough to see desired results. Other times, multiple sessions are needed, depending on the number of affected veins.
Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Anyone who suffers from varicose veins as well as spider and deeper veins is a potential candidate for sclerotherapy. Results from sclerotherapy will vary according to the individual and the extent of the vein issue. To find out if you are a good candidate for this treatment schedule a consultation with our expert at Shiloh Medical Clinic.
Varicose veins and spider veins can cause pain and low self-esteem. But you don’t have to suffer from these conditions. Treatment is available.
OVERVIEW
Light Assisted Sclerotherapy treats veins that are twisted and enlarged, known as varicose veins. Varicose veins are usually in the legs, thighs and behind knees. Light Assisted Sclerotherapy also treats Blue and Green Reticular veins and Spider veins.
At Shiloh Medical Clinic Light Assisted Sclerotherapy involves using a needle to put a solution into the vein with the assistance of the VeinViewer II. The sclerotherapy solution causes the veins to shrink and scar closed. The scarring forces blood through healthier veins. The collapsed vein then fades.
After light assisted sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although they might not disappear completely. It can take 6-12 months for full results. Most veins need more than one sclerotherapy treatment, depending on size and complexity.
Why it's done?
VARICOSE VEINS
Light Assisted Sclerotherapy is done to make the veins look better. The procedure also can improve symptoms related to varicose veins, including:
- Aching
- Swelling
- Burning
- Cramping at night.
- Restless Legs
- Throbbing
- Itching
Our experts suggest waiting to have sclerotherapy done a few months after pregnancy or when finished breastfeeding.
RISKS
Light Assisted Sclerotherapy has the potential for a few serious complications. These can be avoided by walking daily for the first 10-14 days after treatment and avoiding long car trips and airline travel the first 10-14 days after treatment. Side effects that can occur where the needle goes into the skin include:
- Brusing
- Raised red areas, called Hives.
- Small skin sores.
- Darkened skin.
- A number of tiny red blood vessels.
Most side effects subside within a few days.
HOW TO PREPARE
Before the procedure, our expert provider will perform a physical exam. The provider examines your veins and checks for blood vessel disease.
Medical history questions:
- Recent illnesses or medical conditions, such as a heart condition or a history of blood clots.
- Allergies
- Other treatments you've had for varicose veins and the results.
- Medicines or supplements you take, especially aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS), blood thinners, iron supplements or herbal supplements which can increase the risk of bleeding.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Light Assisted Sclerotherapy treatment is typically done in an hour or less to complete.
BEFORE PROCEDURE
Don't shave or use lotion on the treated area and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
DURING PROCEDURE
You lie on your back. Our expert provider will clean the area to be treated. A small needle used inject solution into the vein slowly. The solution works by irritating the lining of the vein, causing it to shut and block the flow of blood.
Some people feel minor stinging or cramping when the needle goes into the vein and some pressure to the area when massaging to spread the solution.
RESULTS
Veins that respond to treatment generally don't come back. However new veins can appear over time.
Follow-up treatments in the same area are scheduled four weeks apart. If you are treating both legs, you can treat one leg and treat the second leg as soon as the next day.
