Sclerotherapy
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a common and highly effective treatment for varicose veins—enlarged, twisted veins that often appear in the legs. It’s also exceptionally effective for spider veins, which are a milder and cosmetically concerning form of varicose veins. Smaller varicose veins tend to respond exceptionally well to this procedure. Many individuals in Dubai seek sclerotherapy for these conditions.
The treatment involves injecting a special solution directly into the affected vein using a fine needle. This solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to scar and collapse. As a result, blood is redirected to healthier veins, and the treated vein eventually fades from view. This procedure is a popular choice for spider veins treatment in Dubai and even smaller varicose veins.
While the vein may not vanish entirely, most treated veins significantly diminish within a few weeks. Full results may take a month or more; in some cases, multiple sessions may be required for optimal improvement. The sclerotherapy cost in Dubai often depends on the number of sessions needed.
There are two main types of sclerotherapy: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is used for larger, deeper veins, and microsclerotherapy is used for smaller surface veins like spider veins or thread veins treatment in Dubai. Both techniques are safe, effective, and require no surgery or downtime, making sclerotherapy in Dubai a convenient option.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Sclerotherapy Procedure
When you arrive for your sclerotherapy treatment, the process is simple and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Clinics offering sclerotherapy in Dubai routinely perform this procedure.
Preparation: The treatment area will be cleaned, and in the case of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, an ultrasound may be used to locate the target veins precisely, ensuring accurate injection.
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Positioning: You’ll lie on your back with your legs slightly elevated to make the veins more prominent.
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Preparation: The treatment area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution before the procedure begins to minimize the risk of infection.
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Anaesthesia: The procedure is usually painless and does not require anaesthesia, but a numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area, especially for those undergoing spider veins treatment in Dubai or if multiple injections are anticipated.
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Injection: For foam sclerotherapy, a foamed sclerosant is injected into larger varicose veins under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy in targeting the deeper vessels. For microsclerotherapy, a fine needle is used to inject the liquid sclerosant solution into smaller spider veins visible on the skin’s surface for effective thread veins treatment in Dubai.
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Sensation: You may feel minor stinging or cramping during the injection as the solution enters the vein. If you experience significant pain, inform your healthcare professional, as this may indicate leakage of the solution into surrounding tissue, which is rare but needs to be addressed.
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Post-Injection Care: After removing the needle, your healthcare provider will apply pressure and gently massage the area to prevent blood from flowing back into the treated vein and to spread the solution evenly along the vein walls.
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Pressure Pad: A cotton ball or pressure pad may be placed over the injection site and secured with tape to maintain pressure and aid in vein closure before moving on to the next vein.
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Multiple Injections: The number of needle insertions depends on how many veins are being treated in one session. The sclerotherapy in Dubai price might be influenced by the number of sessions required for treatment.
What to Expect Following Sclerotherapy
After sclerotherapy, you may experience mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, which typically resolves within a few days to weeks. This is a normal inflammatory response to the injected solution. Many seeking vein specialists in Dubai are informed about these common post-treatment effects.
Compression Stockings: Wearing compression stockings for 1-2 weeks is recommended to promote healing and vein closure. Your vein specialist in Dubai will advise on the appropriate compression level and duration.
Activity: Light walking enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clots in the treated veins, while strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and prolonged standing should be avoided for a few days as advised by your sclerotherapy provider.
Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up visit may be scheduled within a few weeks to monitor progress, especially after foam sclerotherapy for larger veins. Additional sessions might be recommended to achieve optimal results, impacting the overall sclerotherapy cost in Dubai.
Results: Veins usually fade over a few weeks, though larger varicose veins may take longer and require additional sessions of sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy in Dubai - Conclusion
Mechanism of Action: The sclerosant solution works by damaging the endothelium, the inner lining of the vein. This damage leads to inflammation, followed by fibrosis (scarring) and eventual closure of the vein.
Types of Sclerosants: Various sclerosant solutions are available, and the choice depends on the size and type of vein being treated. Common sclerosants include sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) and polidocanol.
Contraindications: Certain conditions may preclude sclerotherapy, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, active deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or certain systemic illnesses. A thorough medical history is essential before undergoing the procedure.
Potential Side Effects: While generally safe, potential side effects can include temporary itching, pigmentation changes along the treated vein, telangiectatic matting (the appearance of new tiny blood vessels), and, rarely, more serious complications like allergic reactions or DVT. Choosing an experienced vein specialist in Dubai minimizes these risks.
Combination Therapy: Sclerotherapy can be used in conjunction with other vein treatments, such as laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation, for comprehensive management of varicose and spider veins.
Cosmetic vs. Medical Necessity: While many seek sclerotherapy for cosmetic improvement of spider veins and thread veins, it can also alleviate symptoms associated with varicose veins, such as pain, aching, and swelling.
Long-Term Results
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi is a distinguished senior vascular and endovascular consultant and phlebologist, specialising in the treatment of venous conditions and a broad range of vascular disorders. While the treated veins are permanently closed, new varicose or spider veins can develop over time. Regular follow-up with Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, a consultant vascular surgeon and vein specialist in Dubai ,and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help manage vein health.Get in touch!