Varicose veins are swollen enlarged veins, usually affecting the legs and feet, which may be lumpy and often tortuous in appearance. They can lead to numerous symptoms including cramping pain, dry/itchy skin, leg swelling, burning or throbbing pain, as well as concerns about their cosmetic appearance. Fortunately there are a number of minimally invasive and surgical options available for the treatment of varicose veins.
In people who suffer with varicose veins which fail to respond to conservative management, foam sclerotherapy may be considered as a treatment option either in isolation, or frequently in combination with other methods of intervention such as Laser ablation.
In foam sclerotherapy, ultrasounds scanning is used to guide the injection to the affected vein. Foam is then injected, which acts to scar the vein on the inside, preventing blood flow through it. This form of treatment may not be suitable if you have suffered from deep vein thrombosis in the past.
Foam sclerotherapy is a day case procedure, and you will usually be home the same day. It may take several days before the affected vein disappears, and occasionally, more than one treatment may be required.
The risks of foam sclerotherapy are relatively small, but all the risks and benefits of the procedure will be discussed with you prior to any intervention.
Foam sclerotherapy does carry a slightly higher risk of recurrence compared to other comparable treatments for varicose veins.
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