Sclerotherapy Mobile, AL
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure done by your healthcare provider to treat uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated reticular veins. The treatment involves the injection of a solution into the affected veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are large blue, dark purple veins. They protrude from the skin and many times they have a cord-like appearance and may twist or bulge. Varicose veins are found most frequently on the legs.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are very small and very fine red or blue veins. They are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like a thin red line, tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face and may cover a small or large area.
What are reticular veins?
Reticular veins can also be known as feeder veins. They are the blue and green veins beneath the surface of the skin.
A Treatment for Unsightly Veins
Many people struggle with visible veins on the legs, and many turn to sclerotherapy treatments to diminish the appearance of these spider and varicose veins. In his Mobile, Alabama plastic surgery practice, Dr. Proffitt performs the injectable-based sclerotherapy treatments to reduce the appearance of these unsightly veins. Dr. Proffitt has 20 years of experience performing this procedure.
The results of sclerotherapy can help you feel more comfortable and eager to wear a more revealing wardrobe, like bathing suits.
Who’s the Right Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Both men and women often struggle with visible veins on the body, most commonly the legs. These spider or varicose veins can commonly pop up as a result of several factors, which may include:
- prolonged inactivity
- pregnancy
- weight gain
- hereditary factors
If you are bothered by visible veins caused by any of these factors, you should consider a visit to our office in Mobile to learn more about sclerotherapy.
The Treatment: How Sclerotherapy Works
When your treatment begins, Dr. Proffitt will closely inspect the skin around the protruding vein for any swelling or abnormalities in the skin. The treatment site will then be cleansed. No anesthetic is necessary for treatment. For each inch of visible vein, one injection will be made.
We use hypertonic saline and Sotradecol (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) during sclerotherapy. In addition Dr. Proffitt also uses the the newly FDA approved solution “Polidocanol”. When injected, the sclerosing solution causes the vein to collapse and hide from view. Oftentimes, more than one session is necessary to diminish the appearance of the vein. These are usually scheduled about one month apart.
Dr Proffitt does not treat varicose veins.
How Will I Look and Feel After Sclerotherapy?
When you leave Dr. Proffitt’s practice after your sclerotherapy treatment, you will likely have a compression garment placed on your legs to maintain pressure as the veins heal and are diminished. The compression hose are typically required for 2 weeks. You may experience some redness and swelling after your treatment.
While you will need to limit your activity in the days following your sclerotherapy session, you should be sure to walk.
If you struggle with visible spider or varicose veins on your legs, which you find unappealing, sclerotherapy can dramatically reduce the size and visibility of the veins. We encourage you to contact our Alabama plastic surgery office to learn more about treatments of sclerotherapy in Mobile with Dr. Proffitt. You can also join our mailing list to learn about upcoming specials.