Injectable saline has come to the forefront as a noninvasive treatment for varicose veins.
Varicose veins are the large, sometimes bulging, twisted veins that can be seen just below the surface of the skin. Most often varicose veins occur in the legs, but they can also be found in other parts of the body as well.
While varicose veins are unsightly, they don't usually offer signs or symptoms of further health conditions. However, on rare occasion, varicose veins may lead to mild to moderate pain, blood clots or skin ulcers.
Veins are the tubes that carry blood from the muscles of the body to the heart. Each vein contains a valve that ensures a one-way flow to the heart. If these valves are weak or damaged, they may cause varicose veins. Risk factors for varicose veins include family history, age, gender, pregnancy, being overweight or obese and lack of movement. Luckily, there are treatment options for varicose veins that help alleviate symptoms and complications and improve the appearance.
Amongst the more recent treatment options for varicose veins, is sclerotherapy (SKLER-o-ther-a-pe).
Sclerotherapy involves injecting chemical solutions into the veins in order to lessen the appearance of small to medium-sized varicose veins. Various sclering agents in sclerotherapy are polidocanol (aethoxysklerol), sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and saline solution at 11.7% concentration. Depending on the individual case, a doctor may decide to go with other options as well. After injection, the chemical or saline injection creates irritation to the vein, causing scarring and an eventual fading away. For a while, patients may also notice redness or bruising or swelling, but like the scarring this will disappear after a period of time.
The procedure is done in the doctor's office (doctors who perform the procedure include phlebologists, dermatologists, vascular surgeons, and plastic surgeons), while the patient stands. Typically, several sessions are needed and each procedure is scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.
The minimally invasive procedure also comes with few side effects. These may include minor itching and burning immediately after the treatment is normal and quickly fades. In some cases, a patient may have an allergic reaction for various reasons. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to choose a qualified professional for the procedure.
For the most part, injectable saline treatments for varicose veins are not covered by medical insurance because they are considered cosmetic. Exceptions may be made in instances where patients are uncomfortable or suffering because of their varicose veins, so it can't hurt to check.
Varicose veins are the large, sometimes bulging, twisted veins that can be seen just below the surface of the skin. Most often varicose veins occur in the legs, but they can also be found in other parts of the body as well.
While varicose veins are unsightly, they don't usually offer signs or symptoms of further health conditions. However, on rare occasion, varicose veins may lead to mild to moderate pain, blood clots or skin ulcers.
Veins are the tubes that carry blood from the muscles of the body to the heart. Each vein contains a valve that ensures a one-way flow to the heart. If these valves are weak or damaged, they may cause varicose veins. Risk factors for varicose veins include family history, age, gender, pregnancy, being overweight or obese and lack of movement. Luckily, there are treatment options for varicose veins that help alleviate symptoms and complications and improve the appearance.
Amongst the more recent treatment options for varicose veins, is sclerotherapy (SKLER-o-ther-a-pe).
Sclerotherapy involves injecting chemical solutions into the veins in order to lessen the appearance of small to medium-sized varicose veins. Various sclering agents in sclerotherapy are polidocanol (aethoxysklerol), sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and saline solution at 11.7% concentration. Depending on the individual case, a doctor may decide to go with other options as well. After injection, the chemical or saline injection creates irritation to the vein, causing scarring and an eventual fading away. For a while, patients may also notice redness or bruising or swelling, but like the scarring this will disappear after a period of time.
The procedure is done in the doctor's office (doctors who perform the procedure include phlebologists, dermatologists, vascular surgeons, and plastic surgeons), while the patient stands. Typically, several sessions are needed and each procedure is scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.
The minimally invasive procedure also comes with few side effects. These may include minor itching and burning immediately after the treatment is normal and quickly fades. In some cases, a patient may have an allergic reaction for various reasons. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to choose a qualified professional for the procedure.
For the most part, injectable saline treatments for varicose veins are not covered by medical insurance because they are considered cosmetic. Exceptions may be made in instances where patients are uncomfortable or suffering because of their varicose veins, so it can't hurt to check.
