A – Z GUIDE FOR SCLEROTHERAPY; KNOW THIS BEFORE YOUR NEXT SPA APPOINTMENT
Are you thinking of getting a sclerotherapy treatment? Hold on! Make sure you read this article before you do.
We have highlighted detailed information about the sclerotherapy procedure, the pros and cons, and whether it is the best option for you. Kindly read to the end and leave a comment below.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is used to treat varicose veins, spider veins, and injured or ruptured veins. It involves the injection of solutions directly into ruptured blood vessels, that reroutes the blood contained in them, and dries up the lymph, or blood vessel, thereby clearing the skin. Sclerotherapy is medically used in treating a variety of conditions (e.g Hydrocele), however, in cosmetology, it refers to a procedure used to treat dysfunctional veins which cause lines on the skin.
What Are Varicose Veins/ Spider Veins and How to Know if you Have Any?
Varicose veins are slightly different from spider veins in that varicose veins are larger and bigger and more twisted, while spider veins appear more like-colored lines/ strokes over the skin. However, they are essentially similar and can be treated by sclerotherapy. For this article, we will handle both of the conditions together.
Varicose or spider veins are ruptured blood vessels that can be seen wriggled under the skin. They are usually painless, but infamous for living black, blue, or purple lines on the skin. In some other cases, they push the muscles of the skin up and appear like squeezed swollen lines on the body. Varicose veins can occur on any part of the body although higher cases are recorded in the limbs (i.e the arms, thighs, and legs).
Why am I having these varicose veins?
Spider veins can be a nightmare, especially when you are particular about looking good. Aesthetically, spider veins can destroy all the efforts you have put into maintaining beautiful skin. This is why it is important to find a lasting solution to the skin condition. Luckily enough, there are sure ways to eradicate varicose/ spider veins through sclerotherapy. The most common causes of varicose veins are:
- Genetic predispositions: You may have inherited the risk factors from your parents or your bloodline. Scientists have found a strong link between genes and varicose veins.
- Standing for too long: Please note that there are no exact measurements for how long you should stand, however, scientists have delineated prolonged standing as a risk factor for varicose/ spider veins.
- Your Diet: We all know the long list of benefits of eating balanced diets, well, this is another addition. Unbalanced diets can lead to varicose veins and spider veins.
- Hormonal Imbalance/ Pregnancy: Some women develop varicose veins while pregnant. Scientists have attributed pregnancy to swollen or spider veins in some women. As such, it may have been caused by hormonal imbalance.
- Obesity: Lastly, the rate of spider veins amongst obese people is higher than in slender people.
Your case may not be any of the above.
We have only listed the possible causes and features that were common amongst people who have varicose veins. The list is not exhaustive. Some people get varicose veins from exposure to the sun, undue pressure or stress, or inflation of the blood vessels, etc. In the case of hormonal imbalance and pregnancy, the veins may fade out on their own with time. But where it does not, then you need adequate and proper treatments.
Facts to Know about Sclerotherapy; Dos and Don’ts of Sclerotherapy
- Sclerotherapy is carried out by the injection of a solution directly to the affected blood vessels. It is 100% safe and very efficient. Within a few weeks of administration, the vessels will dry out and blend with the skin.
- Sclerotherapy can also reduce aching, night cramps, and swelling of the skin.
- Do not have a Sclerotherapy session when you are pregnant. It is expert advice for you to be delivered of your child first.
- Common Side effects of Sclerotherapy are small skin sores, bruising, or redness of the skin. However, when not properly done, you may experience – skin Inflammation, blood clot, fainting and nausea, allergy. If you experience any of these latter side effects, we recommend you speak to your physician. In the case of skin inflammation, pain relievers may be administered, and in a blood clot, your aesthetician/ physician can gently drain out the clot, you may need special attention if you have an allergy or feel faint.
How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy and What to Expect.
- Discuss your allergies: Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical process, however, you should speak about your allergies to your aesthetician before the procedure.
- Avoid shaving: Additionally, you should avoid shaving the area affected before your session (avoid shaving within the last 2 weeks before your appointment).
- Avoid ointments or oils: this is always advisable to avoid skin reaction or redness.
- You will not need anesthesia but expect a needle; Sclerotherapy is administered by injecting the affected veins through a needle. If you have a phobia for needles please discuss it beforehand too.
- You will likely feel itching or tingling when the injection is administered. However, this is not a general rule as some persons do not feel anything at all.
- You can get back to work immediately: In fact, you should remain active after your sclerotherapy injection as this will help the solution to circulate properly in the body.
A DO OR DON’T?
A DO!
We are talking from the perspective of professionals who have seen many persons overcome their fear, and defeat varicose veins. The procedure is safe and great at clearing varicose/ spider veins. We have recorded a high success rate with Sclerotherapy at our spa, so we are talking from the stables of certainty!
Finally, sclerotherapy is great, but not suitable for all varicose veins treatment. Where the blood vessel is massive, a more suitable procedure may be recommended.
Speak to an esthetician to determine what will be best for you today.
Are you considering a session?
Work with a team that understands you.
Contact us.
See you in the next article.
DISCLAIMER
The information on this article are for educational purposes only; they do not in any way serve as definitive, or professional diagnosis, or medical advice. Kindly speak to your physician or consult a medical practitioner.
0 comment