Do you have deep varicose veins that are difficult to reach? At Dermapure, our highly experienced physicians utilize Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, also known as Echosclerotherapy, to effectively treat advanced varicose veins hidden beneath the skin.
What is Echosclerotherapy?
Echosclerotherapy is a specialized treatment that employs an ultrasound machine to detect and visualize deeper varicose veins. This allows your physician to accurately guide the needle and inject the sclerosing agent into the affected veins.
Some benefits of Echosclerotherapy at Dermapure include:
- Extremely precise and accurate results
- Minimal discomfort and few side effects
- Non-invasive treatment with no surgery required
- Short treatment times
- Minimized cell damage
- Dramatic and permanent results
Echosclerotherapy effectively addresses deeper varicose veins that are not visible, providing a non-invasive alternative to surgery, which can pose risks such as scarring and infection. For smaller, more superficial varicose veins, your Dermapure specialist may recommend Sclerotherapy as an effective alternative.
How Echosclerotherapy Works
Using ultrasound guidance, your physician will accurately inject the sclerosing agent into the hidden abnormal veins. Once injected, the treated vessel collapses and is gradually absorbed by the body, disappearing over time.
Duration: This treatment is relatively quick, taking up to 45 minutes to complete. We recommend allocating an hour for preparation, ultrasound examination, and discussion.
Number of Treatments: Depending on the number of varicose veins present, you may require 2-3 sessions, and occasionally more.
Results: Following the injection, you may experience slight discomfort along the injected vein, which will subside within a few minutes. As the vein closes over the next few weeks, some bruising and tenderness may occur, with the body reabsorbing the vein within approximately 6-18 months.
Why Choose Echosclerotherapy?
For patients dealing with deep or hard-to-reach varicose veins, echosclerotherapy offers a less invasive, highly effective alternative to surgery. It avoids the need for more painful and invasive procedures, such as vein stripping surgery, which may involve longer recovery times, scarring, or complications. Here are the key benefits of echosclerotherapy:
- Minimal discomfort: The procedure is typically painless, with only mild sensations at the injection site.
- Permanent results: Once treated, the targeted veins are permanently closed off and absorbed by the body.
- Quick treatment: The procedure can be completed in approximately 45 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment.
- Non-invasive: There is no need for incisions, general anesthesia, or hospital admission.
- Precise targeting: Ultrasound guidance ensures that even the most hidden veins are treated effectively.
Am I a Good Candidate for Echosclerotherapy?
While Echosclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment for deep varicose veins, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is often NOT recommended for patients who:
- Have a history of migraine headaches
- Have veins that are excessively twisted
- Suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
- Are pregnant and/or breastfeeding
- Have a genetic tendency towards blood clotting
To determine if Echosclerotherapy is right for you, it is essential to book a consultation with a vein specialist at Dermapure. This ensures you receive the safest and most effective treatment.
What to Expect During Your Echosclerotherapy Treatment
If you are considering echosclerotherapy, it’s important to know what to expect during and after the procedure:
- Duration: Treatment sessions typically last around 45 minutes. Depending on the number of veins treated, multiple sessions may be required.
- Sensation: A fine needle is used to inject the sclerosing agent, and most patients report only a mild pinprick or burning sensation that fades quickly.
- Recovery: Compression stockings are recommended to optimize results, and while patients can walk immediately after the procedure, strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two days. Sun exposure should also be limited to prevent skin hyperpigmentation.
How to Prepare for Echosclerotherapy
Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful echosclerotherapy procedure. Here are some top tips for pre- and post-treatment care:
- Wear compression stockings: Have these ready to wear immediately after the procedure. Your physician will help you choose the correct size.
- Arrange transportation: It’s a good idea to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
- Shave the treatment area: Ensure the area being treated is free of hair prior to your procedure.
- Plan for downtime: While most normal activities can be resumed immediately, vigorous exercise and long-distance travel should be avoided for two weeks.
- Avoid blood thinners: Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 48 hours before and after your treatment. These can interfere with the effectiveness of the sclerosing agent.
- Discuss medications: If you are on prednisone or other medications, consult with your physician about temporarily discontinuing them before the procedure.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
One of the many benefits of echosclerotherapy is the minimal downtime required. However, to ensure optimal recovery and results, it’s important to follow your physician’s post-treatment instructions:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for at least two weeks before and after the procedure, as these can hinder the healing process.
- Limit sun exposure on the treated area to prevent pigmentation issues.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least two days post-procedure to allow the treated veins to heal properly.
Enhance Your Quality of Life with Echosclerotherapy
Echosclerotherapy is a state-of-the-art vein treatment that combines traditional sclerotherapy with ultrasound guidance to improve the appearance of your legs and enhance your quality of life.
To learn more about how we can help you with this procedure, visit us at Dermapure by booking your consultation online today!
