Foam Sclerotherapy at Texas Endovascular
An ultrasound-guided procedure to alleviate venous insufficiency.
Approximately 80% of men and 85% of women will develop some amount of spider or varicose veins during their life.
Most common in women with a family history of the condition, they can affect anyone at any time and are often brought on by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, or lifestyle factors, such as prolonged sitting or standing.
Although most patients do not have any severe underlying condition connected to the development of spider or varicose veins, they can worsen, spread, and even lead to chronic venous insufficiency if left untreated.
Often considered the gold standard to treat spider and varicose veins, foam sclerotherapy helps eliminate the appearance, symptoms, and presence of these abnormal veins.
This outpatient procedure provides minimal downtime, improved vascular function, and long-term results.
Let’s explore foam sclerotherapy in more detail, including what the procedure is, how its performed, and the risk factors and results to look for following treatment.
What is Foam Sclerotherapy?
Foam or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure used to treat varicose veins and other problems caused by venous insufficiency.
It treats residual, non-bulging varicose veins following radiofrequency ablation.
Along with treating the appearance and functionality of your veins, this minimally invasive treatment option helps relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins, including
- Aching
- Leg heaviness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Burning
- Restless legs
Procedure, Aftercare, and Results
Foam sclerotherapy uses ultrasound to locate and access a varicose vein under the skin with a tiny needle.
Then, medication is mixed with carbon dioxide gas to form foam and injected directly into the abnormal veins to close them off permanently and reroute blood to healthier veins throughout the body.
This procedure takes about 15 minutes to perform.
You can resume normal activities immediately. However, you must wear compression stockings for one week after the procedure. Walking at least 30 minutes per day after foam sclerotherapy is also essential.
You should also avoid sun exposure for up to 2 weeks as it could lead to uneven or darkened skin in the treated areas.
Patients may experience mild pain and burning sensations in the days following sclerotherapy, which is usually managed with anti-inflammatory medications and compression stockings.
For most, results will appear in 3 to 6 weeks for small spider veins. Full results for more prominent varicose veins may take up to six months.
It is important to note that opting into foam sclerotherapy does not eliminate the risk of developing varicose veins in the future but rather prevents current abnormal veins from becoming worse.
Risks and Side Effects
There are minimal risks and complications associated with foam sclerotherapy.
Temporary side effects may include:
- Bruising
- Raised red areas
- Skin sores
- Darkened skin
- The appearance of multiple tiny red blood vessels
These minor side effects usually subside within a few days to several weeks following treatment. It is important to note that some side effects can take months or even years to disappear completely.
In rare cases, less common yet more severe side effects could include:
- An allergic reaction to the medication
- Inflammation
- Blood clots
- Air bubbles at the injection site
Outpatient Foam Sclerotherapy in Texas
You don’t have to live with symptoms of a venous insufficiency diagnosis for life.
Whether you’re living with vein disease or experiencing new (or worsening) symptoms of venous insufficiency, foam sclerotherapy offered at our Vein Treatment Center in Texas may be the best treatment option for you.
Our team of vascular experts is here to help you alleviate symptoms associated with spider and varicose veins and restore vein health to improve your overall quality of life. Schedule an appointment at one of our Houston and Dallas area vein clinics today to get the advanced vascular care you need.
