Sclerotherapy is often requested by patients for aesthetics concerns. But this condition should also be evaluated for possible medical implications. Recent development of dermatitis, thrombophlebitis, cellulitis or ulceration, or the rupture and bleeding of the varicose veins, may indicate complications that should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Symptoms usually include:
• Dull aching heaviness
• Fatigue of the legs late in the day or after sitting or standing for a long time
• Burning, throbbing or itching around the veins
• Nighttime muscle cramping or unable to get the leg at rest
Modalities of treatment could include:
• External compression
• Elevate the legs
• Sclerotherapy
• Endogenous laser treatment
The process of sclerotherapy is intravascular infusion of a chemical substance to cause irreversible endothelial cellular destruction, which leads to vascular fibrosis and obliteration. Usually sclerotherapy is less painful, faster and less expensive than laser treatments for veins of the lower extremities.Each patient’s treatment will be individualized depending upon the nature of their veins disease. This will require a medical history evaluation including hypertension, diabetes, allergy, history of tobacco consumption, rheumatism and general disease. Surgical history would include any fractures or surgical operations. Gynecological and obstetric history, including the number of pregnancies and miscarriages, plans for future pregnancies, duration, hormone replacement therapy or oral contraception and any variation of symptoms with menstrual cycle.
Success or failure in the treatment of vessels of all sizes has more to do with intrinsic factors than the choice of specific therapy. It is always best to have a consultation with your doctor to decide the best treatment option for you. For your consultation, please make a Reservation with Dr. Juana M. Sanchez Braverman.