Summertime means shorts, flip flops, and bathing suits, but if you suffer from varicose or spider veins, you may feel like hiding indoors instead of experiencing a little fun in the sun. You are not alone. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s Office on Women’s Health says that over half of women suffer from vein issues, which can be both painful and embarrassing. Luckily, there is a simple way to get your legs summer ready. It is called Sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a solution into your veins. The injection causes the vein to collapse so that it can no longer be seen through the skin. Blood flow through that vein is restricted and redirected to another part of the body. While it may sound complicated, it is actually very safe.
Each treatment only takes about half an hour or less to complete. When your doctor injects the solution into the vein, you may experience mild discomfort for a minute or two, but otherwise, the procedure is quick and easy.
What are the side effects of Sclerotherapy?
If you are afraid the procedure will leave you with a number of side effects, you have nothing to worry about. Most people can go back to work and resume their normal daily activities within a few hours of completing the procedure. You may be required to wear elastic bandages and/or compression stockings for a few hours up to a few days.
What kind of results can you expect?
The results of Sclerotherapy are permanent, though you may need future treatments for new spider or varicose veins. You should notice a difference within 3 to 6 weeks, though larger or more prominent veins may require a second procedure. Sclerotherapy can also help relieve some of the aches and pains caused by varicose veins, along with symptoms like swelling, burning, cramps, and night heaviness. Best of all, you will have smooth skin that you show off this summer when you head out to the beach or pool.