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What is "Sclerotherapy"? -- "Sclerotherapy" means "treatment by producing a scar". During the medical treatment of small and medium-sized enlarged veins, a fine scar is the result of the introduction into them of a medication that irritates its delicate tissues, causing permanent changes. The treated vein is practically erased and the resultant fine scar —although sometimes it could be felt under the skin, is totally reabsorbed by the surrounding tissues in a few days for very small veins and in a few weeks for the larger ones.
What medications are used for this type of vein treatments? -- Over the years, many medications have been used for Sclerotherapy with mixed results. At present, a variety of medications are used in some practices —even by technicians and personnel that do not have the required training. At our practice, we use only FDA-approved and specially formulated, proprietary medications that do not cause any pain, itching or any type of allergic reactions.
Do sclerotherapy treatments hurt? -- Sclerotherapy treatments do not cause any pain when properly applied by experienced physicians using the best instruments and medications. Our doctors use only state-of-the-art instruments and non-allergenic, specially formulated medications that do not cause any pain.
Will I require any special care after sclerotherapy treatments? -- Sclerotherapy post-treatment care requires the use of an elastic compressive bandage for a few hours. Patients are encourage to walk for a few minutes at a time after treatments, although jogging, strenous exercise and hot baths are contraindicated.
How many treatments will I need to get rid of my dilated veins? -- Usually, only 3 or 4 sclerotherapy treatments are necessary to eliminate most small dilated leg veins, done at one-week intervals.
Some patients would need more than four sclerotherapy treatments and might also need microsurgery or laser treatments to achieve a satisfactory result.
How much does Sclerotherapy cost? -- As a general guide, Sclerotherapy treatments at our practice cost between $220 and $280, per session, which may include the treatment of several dilated veins per leg. Fees vary for the treatment of unsightly, dilated veins on the face, chest, arms, etc. At our practice, all treatments are done by licensed, knowledgeable physicians with many years of experience.
How are large, dilated leg veins treated? -- During "phlebectomy" — which means 'vein removal'—, after the application of a local anesthetic, tiny incisions are made along the enlarged veins, which are then gently removed from under the skin using delicate instruments. Once the veins are removed, the incisions are covered and closed with a small piece of sterile tape.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in the office. Unlike sclerotherapy and laser treatments, most patients will need to take one day off from work after microsurgery and can return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
This is a comfortable, painless and convenient procedure. Patients do not require complicated postoperative care; localized soreness is relieved by common, over-the-counter medications, which will also prevent swelling of the treated area. Ideally, after the procedure, the legs should be kept elevated for a few hours the first day. A compressive bandage should be worn for a few days after the procedure.
Occasionally, minor bruising will appear on the treated area, which resolves within a few days with the application of specially formulated medications.
Sometimes, because of numerous enlarged leg veins, patients will benefit from the combination of sclerotherapy, laser and phlebectomy treatments, to achieve desired results.
How Does a laser work? -- The light energy from a laser device applied to dilated veins causes them to contract and turn into very small, fine scars under the skin, which will be reabsorbed over time.
Do laser treatments cause pain? -- Applied properly, effective laser treatments should cause only a very brief stinging sensation, lasting a fraction of a second. When larger veins are treated, a higher amount of laser energy should be used in order to erase them; this causes a brief sensation that has been compared to a mild "rubber band" hit.
Some patients with very sensitive skin - particularly with facial dilated vessels - will require the application of a medicated gel that will numb for a few minutes the area to be treated, allowing for a more comfortable experience.
Can I return to work after a treatment? -- Yes. Our patients can resume their normal activities after laser vein treatments.
Can I jog after treatments? -- It is not advisable to jog or engage in strenous exercise for at least two to four days after laser or sclerotherapy treatments, because it can cause the treated vessels to reopen. Hot baths are also a contraindication for the same reasons; brief showers with warm water should not cause any problems on the treated areas.
Would areas treated with a laser require any special care? -- After a laser treatment for very small veins such as "spiders" and fine clusters, no special care is required. Sometimes the application of a cold compress for a few minutes and later a temporary bandage is advisable when larger leg veins of up to 4 or 5 mm in diameter are treated.
6667 Old Dominion Drive - Suite A, Second Floor
McLean, Virginia 22101
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