During sclerotherapy, a special substance, sclerosant, is introduced into the vessel using a thin needle. This drug glues the walls of the veins, stopping the access of blood to them. A vessel that ceases to fulfill its functions completely dissolves over time. Carrying out sclerotherapy is also possible with the help of a laser - while the walls of the veins seem to be “welded”. Laser sclerotherapy is especially convenient for small capillaries, into which it is not so easy to get a needle to inject sclerosant. However, this procedure has a number of contraindications, so the final choice of methodology still remains with the phlebologist.
Sclerotherapy usually involves men and women over 30-40 years old. At the same time, women, as a rule, turn to specialists earlier, because they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their legs - because of the appearance of small dilated vessels, they are embarrassed to undress on the beach, put on transparent stockings, etc. Men often come to a consultation with a phlebologist only then, when the dilated veins not only become noticeable, but also cause significant discomfort: pain and swelling appear.
Do not be frivolous with vascular "stars", even small ones. They signal that with vessels in the body, not everything is safe - this is the so-called reticular (loose) form of varicose veins. If nothing is done at this stage, the large dilated veins will not take long. Turning to a specialist about vascular "stars", you gain time: you need to get rid of them in any case, since they create an increased burden on healthy vessels. You should not be afraid that you will be prescribed sclerotherapy: reviews of this procedure indicate that it is almost completely painless.
In preparation for sclerotherapy, it should be noted that at least 4-5 days before the visit to the clinic, depilation and other cosmetic procedures, as well as visits to the solarium, are not recommended. Stop smoking a few days before sclerotherapy: nicotine weakens the effect of the drug. You can not drink alcohol. You should also consult your doctor about medications that are taken continuously: some of them can increase bleeding in tissues. Provided that all recommendations are followed, sclerotherapy, reviews of which are rather favorable, is likely to be successful.
Immediately after the session, movement is necessary - walking for 30-40 minutes. Over the course of several days, increased loads should be avoided - for example, visits to gyms and fitness clubs. At the same time, you need to walk, but not to fatigue - a half-hour or forty-minute walk at an average pace is enough. Two to three weeks after the procedure, it is undesirable to stand or sit for a long time. Bath and sauna are banned for at least two months, and a hot bath for 14 days. You should also wear a compression bandage for 2–5 days after sclerotherapy (as prescribed by your doctor).
Even after a well-behaved vein removal procedure, minor cosmetic problems are possible: bruising, pigmentation. Small bruises form directly at the injection site. They resolve quickly enough. Pigmentation may occur along a distant vessel - usually large. It is also possible the appearance of so-called recurrent telangiectasias - a network of small capillaries around the injection site. It is not always possible to predict these complications: for example, the last of them is usually caused by an individual reaction of the body to the administration of the drug. However, in most cases, sclerotherapy, reviews of which, as a rule, are good, goes without any trouble. Telangiectasias and age spots usually resolve on their own within a few months.
The question of re-appointment of the procedure is resolved after a few days after a visual examination by the doctor of the injection sites. If necessary, it is carried out after 7-10 days. For two months after the last sclerotherapy, you will need to wear compression knitwear, so it is better not to plan it for the hot season.
It should be remembered that sclerotherapy, reviews of which, for the most part, are excellent, has a number of contraindications: it can not be carried out with diabetes, pregnancy and lactation, allergic diathesis, infectious diseases, thrombophlebitis and obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities. Sclerotherapy of veins is also prohibited in severe systemic diseases.