What Types of Vein Issues Can be Addressed with Sclerotherapy?

Do you find yourself struggling with the appearance of unsightly red, purple, or blue veins on your legs? If so, you're not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, roughly half of Americans over the age of 50 have spider veins or other venous conditions. At Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, vein specialist Dr. J. Keith Thompson proudly offers sclerotherapy as an effective vein treatment for men and women in Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS. If you're bothered by the appearance of visible veins under your skin, we invite you to take some time to learn more about how sclerotherapy works and how it might help you.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical vein treatment that involves injecting a special solution directly into the affected blood vessels, which causes them to break down and collapse. This process redirects blood to flow through healthier veins nearby. Over time, the treated veins dissolve into surrounding tissue and can gradually disappear. Results from sclerotherapy can be seen in just a few weeks, though sometimes it might take a month or longer to appreciate the improvements. This treatment is popular due to its effectiveness and quick recovery time, making it an ideal option for those looking to address vein issues with minimal disruption.

Spider veins

Sclerotherapy is one of the most common options when it comes to treating spider veins, or the small, damaged vessels that sometimes appear under the skin's surface on the legs or face. While spider veins are usually not painful or harmful, they can be an aesthetic concern for many individuals. Sclerotherapy is particularly effective for spider veins because it can precisely target the tiny blood vessels involved, improving the skin's appearance significantly.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are larger, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn under the skin. They are often seen on the legs and can be painful, causing aching or cramping. While sclerotherapy is an option for smaller varicose veins, it is also often used in conjunction with other treatments for larger veins, providing relief and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from this more severe vein condition.

Can spider or varicose veins come back after sclerotherapy?

While sclerotherapy does a great job of minimizing the appearance of spider veins and smaller varicose veins, it can't stop the development of new veins in the future. Even after successful treatments, factors like genetics and lifestyle can encourage new veins to appear. Think of sclerotherapy more as a way to manage the situation rather than an indefinite fix. To maintain their results, some patients might need touch-up treatments over time. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also help in keeping your veins in better shape for longer.

Get advanced vein treatments in Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS

If you're dealing with unsightly or uncomfortable vein issues, sclerotherapy might be the right treatment option for you. As a skilled vein specialist, Dr. J. Keith Thompson at Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville has extensive experience treating spider veins and other venous concerns. To learn more about how sclerotherapy can benefit you, contact our Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS vein treatment centers to set up your consultation.