Vanish Embarrassing Spider Veins with Foam Sclerotherapy

In Albuquerque, New Mexico and in other parts of the country, foam sclerotherapy has been used to provide patients with relief from the unappealing and often embarrassing appearance of spider veins. Foam sclerotherapy is a unique procedure that utilizes a sclerant to irritate the vessel wall of spider veins and small varicose veins. Individuals with large varicose veins may be encouraged to seek other treatments. Where foam sclerotherapy differs from other sclerotherapy techniques is in its consistency.

Instead of using a liquid consistency, the sclerant in foam sclerotherapy uses a foam formulation. This is more effective in displacing blood in the vein, allowing the treatment to come into direct contact with the vessel wall. The foam formulation is also easier to view on ultrasound than the liquid formulation. Before treatment, patients interested in foam sclerotherapy to treat spider veins should consult a professional at a vein clinic, doctor's office or medical spa in the Albuquerque area.

Candidates for foam sclerotherapy include any man or woman suffering from spider veins or small varicose veins. Those with cardiovascular or blood problems may not be considered candidates for this procedure. Pregnant women should not undergo foam sclerotherapy either.

The procedure uses a series of tiny injections to apply treatment. As a general guide, one injection is used for every inch of vein being treated, although this may vary and should be discussed with a medical professional. As the sclerant is injected directly into the problem vein, the vessel wall becomes irritated, collapses, shrinks and eventually disappears entirely. Most sessions take about 30 to 45 minutes to perform.

Most patients are satisfied with their results after just one treatment. However, in some cases, multiple treatments may be required to reach optimal results. Patients should discuss expectations with a trained professional prior to treatment. The brief recovery time associated with foam sclerotherapy attracts many patients suffering from spider veins. In most cases, patients are able to return to work immediately following treatment. Compression stockings may be required if veins in the legs are treated to aid in recovery and to promote healthy blood flow.

The FDA has recently indicated that foam sclerotherapy has been associated with a risk of microembolisms. These are tiny blood clots that may form in the treatment area. Patients should discuss this and other risks, such as itching, redness and bruising, with a trained professional at a reputable clinic in their area. Any itching, redness and bruising should subside on its own within a couple of days.

Only when foam sclerotherapy is included as a treatment for larger varicose veins that cause pain and/or medical problems is it covered by insurance. In most cases, foam sclerotherapy is used as a solution to spider veins, a cosmetic nuisance. Patients are encouraged to speak with their insurance carrier and their doctor to determine if the treatment is covered. Most treatments cost between $200 and $500, although this may vary.

A trained professional in the Albuquerque area should be consulted to discuss one's condition and treatment options, as this is the best resource for further information.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Albuquerque, New Mexico.