Varicose veins with sclerotherapy

Varicose veins with sclerotherapy

Varicose veins are venous endings that have been dilated and have exceeded an initial level of veins or spider veins. Poor circulation in the legs causes the appearance and dilation of the veins that, if not reduced in time, can develop varicose veins that can cause itching, fatigue, cramping or bulging of the skin.

Sclerotherapy is a varicose vein treatment that allows you to reduce them effectively without the need for a surgical procedure. By means of a liquid (polidocanol or etoxisclerol) that is injected directly on the varicose vein or vascular spider, achieving its progressive resorption.

Immediately after the session the varicose veins or spider veins will turn a reddish tone, gradually they will decrease both in intensity and size until they disappear. The results will be visible after 20 or 30 days. It is not necessary to wear compression stockings immediately after the session but its usual use is recommended.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are dilations of the superficial venous system. They are a consequence of what we call venous insufficiency: there is a relative deficit in the venous drainage capacity of the extremities and this can translate into a series of symptoms (pain, feeling of heaviness, cramps, etc.) and/or symptoms (swelling, skin disorders, the appearance of varicose veins, etc.).

What types of varicose veins are there?  

There are several types of varicose veins: 

Trunk varicose veins: They are thicker varicose veins, which are visible and can be touched.

Reticular varicose veins: medium gauge, usually visible as greenish or bluish cords. Normally thinner branches come out of them:

Telangiectatic varicose veins or spider veins: which are finer varicose veins. Aesthetically they are the most annoying and visible. They are located just below the skin and have the appearance of nets or spider webs. They are usually reddish or blue in color.

How are varicose veins valued and treatment chosen?

Each patient and each type of varicose veins has its own treatment.

Medical evaluation is the first phase of treatment. A medical history and a detailed physical examination are required. It must be ruled out that other problems coexist, such as old thrombosis, lymphedema, hematological disorders, etc. 

The next step is to perform a Venous Doppler Ultrasound. 

The Eco-Doppler is a painless, non-invasive imaging test that allows us not only to visualize the different venous structures of the limb but also to assess their function. We value the morphology, location, and function of the veins. We consider it an essential test before any treatment for your varicose veins.

Venous Doppler ultrasound is so important in treatment planning that we prefer to do it personally, although similar explorations have been previously performed in other centers. 

In general, it should be borne in mind that varicose veins should be large to small, that is, treating the main branches first, even if they are the least aesthetically worrisome. This is so because we ensure a more effective treatment in the medium and long term, and we also greatly reduce the possibilities of unwanted effects such as pigmentation and matting (appearance of new varicose veins).

What types of sclerosis do we offer?

Basically there are two types of sclerosis: 

Chemical sclerosis: consists of the injection of a substance directly into the varicose veins that cause irritation of the endothelium of these, a micro thrombosis and subsequent fibrosis and its disappearance.

Laser sclerosis: the same thrombosis effect is achieved using laser energy. It is ideal for smaller and more superficial varicose veins (especially reddish in color) and is normally complemented by chemical sclerosis. We usually use it in the final phase of a treatment since many of these small varicose veins disappear by neutralizing their nutritional branches.

How is the sclerosis procedure and process?

Sclerosis is an outpatient treatment. It is done in the consultation and lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. 

The duration of the session is not determined by the size of the area to be treated, nor by the time nor the number of punctures; if not that is determined by the amount of liquid that we apply, which is usually between 1 and 3 ml., according to tolerance, skin reaction, size of the varicose veins to be treated. 

The treatment is carried out by injecting the substance with a microneedle and small bandages are applied with adhesive plaster. 

In the case of a session of laser sclerosis, these dressings are not necessary and only cream is applied.

At the end of the session, you should walk a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes.

After sclerosis, a normal or medium compression stocking (class 2 compression) must be worn and must be worn for 24-48h. as indicated in the visit. After this period, you should continue using the stocking, but only during the day, that is, you can remove it when sleeping.

At the end of this period, the dressings will be removed and the cream will be applied REPAIR CREAM WITH VITAMIN K POST TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS 50ML in the sclerosed area, twice a day by means of a circular massage, in order to minimize the appearance of pigmentation and favor the reabsorption process of the varicose vein.

In the event of a very marked inflammatory reaction, it can quickly improve with the application of local cold several times a day. You can also take ibuprofen or diclofenac-type anti-inflammatory. However, this is almost never necessary.

After laser sclerosis, small scabs usually appear and disappear in 1-2 weeks.

Varicose veins may need more than one treatment session to completely disappear since the liquid does not have to be distributed evenly over all the small branches. Before repeating a session in same area, the advisable thing is to let pass 2-3 weeks, so that the results of the previous session take shape.

Can side effects appear?

Any medical treatment can cause the appearance of unwanted effects. 

The correct evaluation, strategy and choice of treatment, as well as its correct application and following the instructions that have been given, minimize and make rare the appearance of these unwanted effects.

Occasionally pigmentations (brownish discoloration of the skin in the treated areas) may appear, which are almost always reversible, although they may take several weeks to disappear. 

The appearance of small lesions at the puncture sites is also very rare, but possible. If they occur, they heal in a few weeks, leaving a mini-brand. 

The appearance of matting, which is an accumulation of very small varicose veins that give the area a reddish appearance, is usually treated with new microinjections, although very rarely they can be very resistant to treatment.

The appearance of other effects, such as allergic reactions or the extension of sclerosis to more important venous trunks, is even rarer. 

Always keep in mind that the appearance of these unwanted effects is exceptional and the medical team will do everything possible to solve them.

To minimize the appearance of unwanted effects it is important to consider:

Correctly complete the medical history: it is important to know your history, habitual medication if any, allergies, etc.

Avoid sunbathing for at least three weeks after treatment. Your doctor will recommend specific protection products to apply during or after sun exposure.

You should follow the doctor's recommendations both during and after treatment.

How many sessions are necessary?

The number of sessions required for the disappearance of varicose veins cannot be determined at the outset since it depends on factors such as:

Patient treatment expectations.

Response to treatment, which is specific to each patient.

Characteristics and arrangement of varicose veins.

The average number of sessions that each patient attends is between 6 and 7 sessions, although with great variability.

How are varicose veins removed?

Varicose vein sclerosis, also known as sclerotherapy, is a treatment that involves injecting a sclerosing fluid into the affected vein using a very fine needle. When injected, the liquid causes an inflammatory reaction in the internal part of the vein that will gradually reduce resulting in the sealing of the vein. It is a little invasive technique that does not leave scars and does not require recovery.

Post-treatment recommendations

It is widely known that the skin is the largest organ in the entire body, and is responsible for protecting us and helping us communicate with the outside environment; So it is essential that our skin is healthy. Therefore, it is important to understand how healthy skin works so you can learn to take better care of it, and that includes using products that also help you prevent future skin problems.

Dr. Manuel Rubio, Aesthetic Medical expert specializing in facial and body rejuvenation, drawing inspiration from the needs of patients who went to their clinics with poor skin quality, which caused him to limit the result of his medical work, decided to work in a medical line of skincare, with scientifically proven results, to achieve a beautiful and healthy skin, and that will help complement the aesthetic medicine treatments performed on their patients. This synergy resulted in the SUMAQ product line.

In relation to this aesthetic medicine treatment, the following recommendations are:

• It is recommended to moisturize the skin very well after treatment.
• It is highly discouraged to expose yourself to the sun during the two months after the session.

It is essential to be able to take care of the skin both from the inside and outside to help the result lasts longer in time, so it is advised:

• BODY MOISTURIZING CREAM WITH AHA 500ML: Improves flexibility and hydration of the skin. For all skin types.

• REPAIR CREAM WITH VITAMIN K POST TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS 50ML: Treatment post-varicose veins or in case of bruises.

• CONCENTRATED HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN 300GR: Nourish and improve the quality of your skin from within. Take 1 teaspoon in the morning at breakfast.