Sclerotherapy

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1. What is Sclerotherapy?
2. Who is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
3. The Sclerotherapy Procedure
4. Recovery and Results after Sclerotherapy
5. Schedule an Appointment

Over time, many people will develop visible veins including varicose veins or spider veins in areas like the legs. This is especially common among women age 40+. Sclerotherapy is a popular and effective treatment option to reduce small, superficial unwanted visible veins. Dr. Damstetter offers this minimally invasive treatment option at Reserve Dermatology in Glenview, Illinois.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a varicose and spider vein treatment in which solutions known as sclerosing agents are injected into the unwanted visible veins. This diminishes the appearance of the reticular or spider veins. After injecting the sclerosing solution, the vessels are destroyed, which forces blood to route through surrounding healthier blood vessels. The treated vessel will then collapse and be safely reabsorbed into the surrounding tissues. For some patients, achieving ideal results will require multiple treatment sessions.

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“I had a recent visit to Dr Damstetter’s clinic and would like to share my experience. I am a Navy vet(corpsman) and usually get seen at the VA but since we don’t have a Derm provider right now, I was fortunately sent out to her clinic to be evaluated. It’s a nice clinic in a nice area and was relatively easy to find. A pleasant Ms. Nancy at the front desk was helpful in completing the check-in process. Easy day. I did not have to wait long and was soon met by Dr. Damstetter’s assistant, who for classified reasons I will refer to as “Agent 8”. I am sure if she gets tired of providing excellent medical care, her slick-ninja skillset could get her a job with the CIA or MI6 maybe. Short story long, Agent 8 brought me back to the patient area, where I was introduced to Dr Damstetter, who was all the things you would want in a doctor: a knowledgeable provider with a great bedside manner. She gave me a thorough exam which did end up showing that I needed a minor procedure. No worries. I felt well taken care of throughout my visit. No one likes to have to see the doctor, but if you have a dermatological concern, this is a good place with good people who did great by me, and I am thankful to have been sent here.”

“Dr. Liz is truly the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She is attentive, kind, and genuinely cares about her patients and their overall skin health. I can not recommend her enough!!!”

“Wonderful experience here! The doctor took the time to educate me on a variety of cosmetic options and gave her candid opinion resulting in just the right amount of cosmetic adjustments! Her staff was delightful and attentive! I would highly recommend for general derm needs and cosmetic adjustments.”

“Dr. Damstetter was the first dermatologist I trusted to do my Botox. She is both knowledgeable and professional and did a fantastic job. I will be using her for any and all of my future needs.”

Who is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

A majority of patients who have spider veins or small blue (reticular) veins are good candidates for sclerotherapy. Most sclerotherapy patients choose the treatment for cosmetic reasons.

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Liz Damstetter, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Meet the Doctor

The Sclerotherapy Procedure

The sclerotherapy procedure is relatively simple and generally takes 15-30 minutes depending on the severity or number of the areas you are treating and the number of vessels needing injection.

In most cases, Dr. Damstetter will elevate the treatment area (typically the legs) before injections begin. Using a small needle, the sclerosing solution can then be injected. Some solutions may contain lidocaine to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. After completing the injections, Dr. Damstetter’s team members will apply pressure bandages to the area. You should wear compression stockings or Ace wraps home after the treatment and for 2-3 weeks after.

Recovery and Results after Sclerotherapy

Following your sclerotherapy procedure, you will be asked to get up and walk to prevent blood clots from forming. You will also wear compression garments, such as bandages or stockings.

For a majority of patients, no downtime is required and you can return to your normal routine immediately after your sclerotherapy procedure. However, in most cases, you should have someone drive you home from the procedure. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity, exercise, or sun exposure for about two weeks. As the treated veins collapse and are reabsorbed, you may experience side effects including bruising, stinging, swelling, or redness around the injection site.

Small reticular veins or spider veins will dissipate within about three to six weeks after sclerotherapy. Dr. Damstetter will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and determine whether additional sclerotherapy sessions are required to reach your best possible results.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about sclerotherapy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Liz Damstetter at Reserve Dermatology. Call our Glenview, Illinois office or contact us online.