ANSWERS TO MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SCLEROTHERAPY


1. WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
ANSWER: Sclerotherapy is the process of removing unwanted “spider” veins that are most commonly seen in the legs, cheeks, or even nose. This process involves injection directly into the vein, thus causing destruction of the vein itself.

2. WILL IT HURT?
ANSWER: The biggest complaint from sclerotherapy patients is not necessarily from the needle, but rather from the mild burning or cramping sensation that is often associated with the injection of the medication. The most common medication, which is used in my office, is hypertonic saline solution. This is nothing more than a highly concentrated salt solution, thus causing the slight burning sensation.

3. HOW DID I GET THESE VEINS?
ANSWER: The most common reason for getting varicose veins is heredity, so if either of your parents had varicose veins, chances are, you will also have them. It has also been noted that pregnancy can increase the amount of varicose veins you have, so if you are planning a family in the near future, you may want to wait until after your pregnancy to have this treatment.

4. DO WOMEN ONLY GET VARICOSE VEINS?
ANSWER: Absolutely not! Men can and do get varicose veins just as easily as women.

5. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I LEAVE THEM UNTREATED?
ANSWER: Usually nothing, but complications have been known to be related to varicose veins, such as pain in legs, cramping, or increase in number of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is more of a cosmetic treatment, and is not a preventative.

6. WILL THE VEINS EVER COME BACK?
ANSWER: More than likely, yes. Although the areas treated generally do not return. You will usually have a new formation of veins at different sites than those that were treated. The average incidence of return is generally between 3-5 years. Results differ from patient-to-patient, and the treatment is never a guarantee that it will get rid of every vein you have.

7. IS THE TREATMENT VERY EXPENSIVE, AND WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR THE TREATMENT?
ANSWER: The cost of treatment varies per person, and depends on the amount of veins you have, and the time it takes for the treatment. This treatment is considered a cosmetic treatment, and is generally not accepted by insurance companies, therefor, payment by the patient is expected at the time of service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO ARRANGE A CONSULTATION VISIT WITH DR. BAUCOM OR DR, PHARIS, PLEASE CALL 404-943-1996