Conveniently located on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Sclerotherapy is a highly effective and minimally invasive medical procedure that is used to improve the appearance and overall well-being of individuals suffering from blood vessel abnormalities such as spider veins and varicose veins. By injecting a specialized solution directly into these problematic veins, the treatment causes the veins to collapse and be absorbed naturally by the body. Over time, the visibility of these unsightly veins is significantly reduced. In addition, the treatment also provides relief from associated symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and swelling. If you are looking for a quick, safe, effective, and long-lasting solution to spider veins and varicose veins, sclerotherapy may be a viable option for you.
Are you considering a minimally invasive method of reducing the appearance of unsightly veins, such as spider veins and varicose veins, without the need for surgery or significant downtime? Consider a visit to Nurse Kelly at Cayman Doctors to achieve smoother, healthier skin and relief from symptoms associated with these blood vessel conditions. Call our clinic at 1 (345) 943-6363 to know more about sclerotherapy or book an . We are located at West Shore Center (Pink Plaza), 508 West Bay Road, PO Box 32078, Grand Cayman KY1-1208, Cayman Islands, B.W.I.
Schedule a consultation with one of our highly trained and experienced practitioners at Cayman Doctors now to gain more understanding about sclerotherapy.
Fast Facts
Who’s it for?
Sclerotherapy is most commonly used to treat patients with spider veins and varicose veins.
Similar products:
Laser vein therapy, VenaSeal, ClariVein
Celebs who swear by it:
Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, Emma Thompson and Serena Williams
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure designed to treat spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, appearing as red or blue lines. Varicose veins are larger, swollen, and often raised veins that can cause pain and discomfort. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into these problematic veins. This solution irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. Over time, the treated veins fade from view, improving both the cosmetic appearance and alleviating associated symptoms.
How Sclerotherapy Works
Sclerotherapy works by targeting the inner lining of spider and varicose veins. A specialized sclerosing solution is injected into the affected veins using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to swell and stick together. This process blocks the blood flow within the treated vein, and over time, the vein is absorbed by the body, ultimately disappearing. The procedure is highly effective in reducing the appearance of unsightly veins and relieving symptoms such as pain, aching, and swelling.
Advantages of Sclerotherapy
Undergoing Sclerotherapy offers the following advantages:
- Non-surgical: The procedure is minimally invasive and involves the injection of a specialized sclerosing solution into the affected veins using a very fine needle without the need for surgical incisions.
- Quick Treatment: The entire procedure can take less than one hour to complete depending on the condition being treated.
- Little to No Downtime: After the treatment, you can immediately resume your normal routines and daily activities.
- Minimal Discomfort: During the injection process, you may only feel a slight pinch or sting but the associated discomforts can be minimized by using a numbing cream.
What Brands/Injectables Do We Use?
Nurse Kelly prepares a diluted hypertonic saline solution for the treatment of spider veins and varicose veins. In this specialized procedure, Nurse Kelly does not rely on any specific brand or commercially available injectables. Instead, she formulates the solution herself by diluting hypertonic saline. Hypertonic saline is a solution containing a higher concentration of salt (sodium chloride) than what is typically found in the body. This customized solution is tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the condition being treated.
Risks and Complications of Sclerotherapy
While sclerotherapy is generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Bruising
- Burning or cramping at the injection site
- Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening)
- Swelling
Nurse Kelly’s experience can help minimise these risks and complications, enhancing the safety and efficacy of the procedure in a professional capacity.
What to Expect Before Sclerotherapy
Before undergoing sclerotherapy, you will have a consultation with your healthcare provider to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Your medical history and vein condition will be assessed during this appointment. In preparation for the procedure:
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure or sun tanning.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
What to Expect During Sclerotherapy
You can expect the following during a Sclerotherapy treatment:
- You will lie down, and the area to be treated will be cleaned.
- A fine needle will be used to inject the sclerosing solution into the targeted veins.
- You may feel mild discomfort or a stinging sensation at the injection site.
- Multiple injections may be necessary, depending on the number and size of the veins being treated.
- The entire procedure typically lasts less than an hour.
Recovery Time for Sclerotherapy
One of the advantages of sclerotherapy is its minimal downtime. After the procedure, you can usually resume your regular activities immediately. Walking and light exercise are encouraged to promote blood circulation. Compression stockings or bandages may be recommended to aid in healing and minimize swelling. In addition, you should avoid prolonged sun exposure to the treated area.
Conditions Treated by Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that effectively treats vein conditions such as spider veins and varicose veins by injecting a special solution directly into the affected veins. This solution causes the veins to collapse and gradually fade away, providing patients with smoother, healthier-looking skin and improved circulation.
Spider Veins
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or thread veins, are small, superficial veins often found on the legs and face. Though typically not a medical concern, this condition can impact a person’s confidence and self-esteem due to their unsightly appearance. Some individuals may also experience mild discomfort, such as itching or burning, in the affected areas.
Sclerotherapy treats spider veins by injecting a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and close off. Over time, the body naturally absorbs and eliminates these collapsed veins, leading to improved cosmetic appearance and reduced symptoms associated with spider veins.
A study assessed over 300 patients with facial telangiectasia treated with sclerotherapy utilizing hypertonic saline. [1] Results showed that the treatment achieved 50 to 100% resolution of facial telangiectasia with minimal complications. The researchers concluded that sclerotherapy utilizing hypertonic saline should be included in the treatment regimen for facial telangiectasia.
In another study, sixty-three subjects with leg vein issues were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either polidocanol (POL) or hypertonic saline (HS) for telangiectasias and reticular leg veins. [2] The researchers compared the safety and effectiveness of these two sclerosing agents across three dermatologic surgery practices. Results showed that both treatments improved the appearance of telangiectasias and reticular leg veins.
A study compared the effectiveness of hypertonic saline (HS) and polidocanol (POL) as sclerosants for leg telangiectasia and reticular veins in female patients. [3] Eighty-one women received treatment on matching leg areas with either HS or POL, with assessments conducted after two months. The results showed no significant difference in clinical or photographic evaluations between the two agents, but POL caused more staining and matting, while patients reported higher satisfaction with HS treatment despite experiencing more pain during injection.
Treatment Options
Nurse Kelly Spider Veins treatment with sclerotherapy can significantly reduce the appearance of unsightly spider veins and offer symptom relief by causing the affected veins to collapse and close off.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are larger, raised veins, typically on the legs. Aside from being unsightly and causing cosmetic concerns, they can also cause pain and discomfort, including aching, heaviness, and cramping in the legs, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious complications such as skin ulcers, blood clots, and inflammation.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a special solution directly into the affected veins, causing irritation and scarring of the vein walls. This scarring eventually closes off the varicose vein, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins, leading to improved circulation and a reduction in the appearance of the varicose veins over time.
In one study, ten included trials explored various aspects of sclerotherapy, including comparisons of different sclerosants, the addition of local anesthetic, pressure dressing types, and compression levels. [4] The findings indicate that the choice of sclerosant, local pressure dressing, degree and duration of compression do not significantly affect the efficacy of sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Sclerotherapy remains a valuable treatment option for recurrent varicose veins and thread veins, with potential benefits for cosmetic improvement and symptomatic relief.
A study assessed the safety and effectiveness of sclerotherapy in treating varicose veins and associated dermatological complications in 50 patients over an 18-month period. [5] Using Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate at varying concentrations, the treatment resulted in a favorable response, with 70-80% of patients experiencing improvement in symptoms, vein disappearance, and healing of eczema (red, scaly rashes on the skin) and ulcers. Most complications were minor and resolved within a few weeks.
A study examined the impact of different concentrations of hypertonic saline, with or without a heparin additive, on vessel diameter, clinical effectiveness, complications, and patient discomfort. [6] The study included 600 women with telangiectasias or varicose veins. The findings indicated that a saline concentration of 11.7% was the most effective for sclerosis (scarring) in vessels under 8 mm in diameter while causing the least discomfort.
Treatment Options
Sclerotherapy can reduce the appearance of varicose veins as well as the associated physical discomforts by causing irritation and scarring of the walls of the affected veins.
Question & Answer
Can anyone undergo sclerotherapy?
Most individuals are candidates for sclerotherapy but your healthcare provider will assess your suitability during the consultation. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates.
How many sclerotherapy sessions are typically required?
The number of sessions needed depends on the extent and severity of the vein condition. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate number of treatments during your consultation.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Patients may experience mild discomfort or a stinging sensation during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.
When will I see results after sclerotherapy?
Results are not immediate and may take several weeks to become noticeable. The treated veins gradually fade over time.
How long does it take to heal from sclerotherapy?
It takes 2-6 weeks to heal from sclerotherapy.
Should I wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
Your healthcare provider may recommend wearing compression stockings to promote healing and reduce swelling.
Is sclerotherapy a permanent solution?
While sclerotherapy can provide long-lasting results, it may not prevent the development of new veins in the future. Maintenance treatments may be required.
References
- Goldman MP, Weiss RA, Brody HJ, Coleman WP 3rd, Fitzpatrick RE. Treatment of facial telangiectasia with sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and/or electrodesiccation: a review. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1993 Oct;19(10):899-906; quiz 909-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1993.tb00976.x. PMID: 8408908. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8408908/.
- Peterson JD, Goldman MP, Weiss RA, Duffy DM, Fabi SG, Weiss MA, Guiha I. Treatment of reticular and telangiectatic leg veins: double-blind, prospective comparative trial of polidocanol and hypertonic saline. Dermatol Surg. 2012 Aug;38(8):1322-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02422.x. Epub 2012 May 23. PMID: 22620717. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22620717/.
- McCoy S, Evans A, Spurrier N. Sclerotherapy for leg telangiectasia–a blinded comparative trial of polidocanol and hypertonic saline. Dermatol Surg. 1999 May;25(5):381-5; discussion 385-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08263.x. PMID: 10469077. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10469077/.
- Tisi PV, Beverley CA. Injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD001732. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001732. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(4):CD001732. PMID: 11869605. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869605/.
- Subbarao NT, Aradhya SS, Veerabhadrappa NH. Sclerotherapy in the management of varicose veins and its dermatological complications. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2013 May-Jun;79(3):383-8. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.110746. PMID: 23619443. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23619443/.
- Sadick NS. Sclerotherapy of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins. Minimal sclerosant concentration of hypertonic saline and its relationship to vessel diameter. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1991 Jan;17(1):65-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1991.tb01595.x. PMID: 1991883. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1991883/.
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