What does Sclerotherapy Cost?
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is one of the most used treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins.
The reason people prefer is because it’s a minimally invasive treatment, effective results and vein problems will stay away from you for a long time.
If you are also suffering from any kind of venous problem then Sclerotherapy is a way to go treatment for you!
How Is It Done?
Sclerotherapy isn’t a long process, it will take only 30 to 45 minutes. since all it requires is injecting a solution in your damaged veins.
Once your doctor injects this solution your veins will shrink and will be closed, then it will be absorbed by your body and your blood will start flowing through the other veins.
Eventually the results will start showing up, however, sometimes some patients may need more than one sessions.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Sclerotherapy?
If you are suffering from varicose veins then you are already a candidate for Sclerotherapy, but there are some factors that can prevent you from getting this treatment.
If you are looking forward to get Sclerotherapy then these factors can make you a good candidate for it:
- You don’t have blood clotting problems
- You aren’t breastfeeding, planning to get pregnant soon or gave birth 3 months ago
- Your age should be between 30-60
- You are a non-smoker
Are There Any Side Effects Of Sclerotherapy?
Although it’s a small treatment it still has some side effects, they aren’t really serious but they can be annoying, here are some common side effects of Sclerotherapy:
- Skin discoloration
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Stinging
- Pain
These are common side effects but there are some rare or serious side effects too, some of them include:
- Signs of infection
- Blood clots
- Pain on the injection site.
These side effects can be dangerous so get help from your doctor as soon as possible!
In 2017 the average cost of a single sclerotherapy session was a little over $350. That is according to the ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). The overall sclerotherapy cost will of course depend on the severity and amount of veins that are treated. There may also be some change in cost depending on where you live.
It is done solely for cosmetic reasons, sclerotherapy is not normally covered by health insurance. With that said, there are medical reasons to have sclerotherapy performed. If you are suffering from pain, discomfort, tightness, tenderness or other medical symptoms, your insurance may cover the procedure. They may, however, insist that you undergo other forms of treatment (like compression stockings) before approving sclerotherapy.
How Many Sessions of Sclerotherapy Are Required?
The vast majority of patients, generally speaking, only need one or two sclerotherapy treatments to achieve the desired results. One of the main draws for this treatment is the low number of sessions needed to attain the best results. The number of treatments needed for your treatment may differ from the average estimate, though, because every person is unique.
Success Rate
Spider veins and smaller varicose veins respond very well to sclerotherapy. Many people report improvements within a two (2) or three (3) week period. It can take up to three (3) or four (4) months to notice visual improvements for larger varicose veins.
Depending on their size, prevalence and location, it can take between one (1) to four (4) sessions to completely treat all varicose or spider veins.
According to a study published in 2014, 83% of those who underwent sclerotherapy treatment, experienced a significant decrease in the pain associated with varicose veins.
While very positive results are the norm, it is important to temper your expectations a bit. Although very effective, sclerotherapy may not be able to remove 100% of diseased veins. Visible traces or side effects of the treatment may remain after the procedure is over. Our professionals are specially trained to help you decide if you’re a good candidate for laser spider vein removal after the doppler and sclerotherapy to clean up the tiny leftover veins.
Preparation for sclerotherapy
You will first meet with a healthcare expert for a consultation. They’ll assist you in deciding whether this surgery is appropriate for you. Next, you might receive the following advice:
To lower the risk of bleeding, stay away from several drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin (Bufferin). These drugs may have an impact on how well your blood clots. To lessen irritation, do not shave your legs or apply lotion before to sclerotherapy. Try wearing compression socks. After the treatment, you might have to wear them for a few days. Before your procedure, let your healthcare provider know about any additional medical conditions you may have.
What To Expect
For Varicose veins
A local anesthetic is frequently used prior to treating varicose veins, particularly if the veins are located well below the surface. When large veins are injected, you might feel some mild discomfort and cramping even with the anesthesia, but it only lasts for a minute or two.
Ultrasound is frequently used when sclerotherapy for varicose veins is administered. All varicosities, including deep vein varicosities, can be found and treated by your doctor using ultrasound imaging. He can see the needle and direct where to place it in the vein thanks to the real-time imaging. A compression pad is placed on the injection site after the first injection is finished, and we proceed to the next.
For Spider veins
You won’t require anesthetic because spider veins are so tiny and close to the skin’s surface. After you’ve taken a seat comfortably on the treatment table, your doctor will clean the targeted area with alcohol before injecting the medication into the veins using a very small needle. Some individuals experience a slight sting when the needle is put, despite the fact that the operation is comfortable.
When your injection is complete, the doctor uses compression and light massage to help the drug spread throughout the area and keep blood from getting into the area that was injected. Depending on how many veins are being injected, sclerosing for spider veins might take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
Call the Advanced Vein Center today 724-987-3220 for a doppler ultrasound appointment to evaluate your condition. You will then consult and go over the results with our highly trained and specialized physician who will work with you to create a personal treatment plan.
Can sclerotherapy be performed on pregnant women, or is it recommended to wait until after pregnancy?
Sclerotherapy is generally not recommended for pregnant women. The safety of sclerotherapy during pregnancy has not been extensively studied, and the potential risks to both the mother and the developing fetus are not well understood.
Pregnancy itself can lead to changes in blood circulation, and the presence of varicose veins or spider veins is not uncommon during this time. However, due to the uncertainty about the safety of sclerotherapy during pregnancy, healthcare providers typically advise waiting until after pregnancy to pursue this treatment.
If you are pregnant and experiencing issues related to varicose veins or spider veins, it’s crucial to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on alternative measures to manage symptoms during pregnancy and may recommend postponing sclerotherapy until after childbirth and the postpartum period.
Can sclerotherapy be used to treat spider veins as well, or is it specifically for varicose veins?
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both spider veins and varicose veins. It is a common and effective minimally invasive procedure for addressing visible veins close to the surface of the skin.
Spider Veins:
Sclerotherapy is frequently employed to treat spider veins, which are small, dilated blood vessels that often appear as red or blue lines on the skin’s surface. The sclerosing solution is injected directly into the spider veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time.
Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins are larger veins that may appear swollen and twisted. Sclerotherapy can also be used for certain types of varicose veins. However, larger varicose veins may require additional treatments, such as endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) or other procedures that target the underlying cause of the venous insufficiency. It’s essential to have a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider or vascular specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.