Sclerotherapy is a procedure that Dr. Michael Orcutt, Centers for Advanced Vein Care Montana, uses to eliminate or remove spider veins in Montana.  Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.  This procedure, used to remove spider veins in Montana, is a well-documented procedure that has been in use since the early 1930’s. 

Remove Spider Veins in Montana:  Who is a candidate?

You are not eligible if you are pregnant or bedridden. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills.   If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the overall health of the area needing treatment as well as the reason for the clot.

Remove spider veins in Montana:  How sclerotherapy is used to remove spider veins in Montana.

In most cases, the solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the spider veins and varicose veins.. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of  varicoseveins and spider veins being treated to remove spider veins in Montana

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The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the spider veins and varicose veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.  Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor's office.

What to Do Before Sclerotherapy and varicose vein surgery

Prior to vein injection, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines (including over the counter drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements) you are taking. If you need to take an antibiotic before sclerotherapy, contact your physician. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure.

Side Effects of Sclerotherapy

You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. There are milder effects, such as itching which can last for one or two days after the procedure. Also, you may experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection side and can last several days or weeks.

Other sclerotherapy side effects include:

•         Larger veins that have been injected may become lumpy and hard and may require several months to dissolve and fade.

•         Brown lines or spots may appear at the vein site. In most cases, they disappear within three to six months.

•         Neovascularization -- the development of new, tiny blood vessels -- may occur at the site of sclerotherapy treatment. These tiny veins can appear days or weeks after the procedure, but should fade within three to twelve months without further treatment.

Should any of the following side effects occur, contact your physician immediately. These include:

•         Inflammation within five inches of the groin.

•         A sudden onset of a swollen leg.

•         Formation of small ulcers at the injection site.

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Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agents may occur at the time of the injection and are rarely serious. If you have a history of allergies you have a greater chance of experiencing an allergic reaction to the agents. A minor allergic reaction will cause itching and swelling.   Dr. Orcutt, Vascular Surgeon at Centers for Advanced Vein Care Montana, will advise you before spider veins and varicose veins removal.