legs feel lighter, or without pain. The large, lumpy veins slowly disappear, usually two to six months after the procedure, and the smaller veins may disappear over the following six months. It’s good to remember that as the veins resolve, there may be some color changes in the skin; legs sometimes look worse before they look better. But when they look better, they look great!
Are the results of treatment with sclerotherapy permanent? Yes, once the vein has collapsed, it typically gets reabsorbed
into the body and is permanently gone. Because that vein no longer exists, it cannot cause problems in the future. That said, all the veins in the body have the same genetic makeup and have generally been exposed to the same environmental stresses and, in theory, have the same risk of failing. In other words, if a patient has one bad vein, it is very likely that at some point they will have other bad veins. It’s important to note that small, healthier lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing chronic venous issues and preventing future problems.
Can you go to work after treatment? What about exercise? Yes, you can go to work after treatment. However, you should
avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity while standing for the first five days following sclerotherapy. Walking is great exer- cise after treatment. In fact, walking 30 minutes a day is a post-op requirement!
What are the most common side effects after treatment? The most common side effects are bruising and tenderness of
the treated veins. The bruising is usually fully resolved within two weeks and the tenderness responds well to heat and elevation. Pa- tients who follow the post-procedure guidelines for care will help promote the most effective healing. After each sclerotherapy ses- sion, compression stockings should be worn for seven to fourteen days, depending on the severity of the venous disease.
Will it hurt? This is the question that patients ask the most! Everyone’s ex- perience is different, but most people describe it as quick little bee stings. It is always possible to stop the procedure or take a break if someone does find it very uncomfortable, but most patients say it is very tolerable. The medicine is pH balanced and vein access is with a 27-32g needle, so it’s really just a very small perceivable pinch.
Seek out a professional If you decide to pursue sclerotherapy, first receive a
proper evaluation to ensure that this is the right treatment for you. Partner with a doctor who specializes in vein care. Vein therapies today are performed by a variety of providers; some may lack adequate training or oversight, and some treat cosmetic concerns without taking the overall health and venous health of the patient into account.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. She is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjorn- sen at 207-221-7799 or
info@veinhealthcare.com. See ad on page 17.
What can
Financial Coaching Do for You?
Find a confidential and
non-judgmental environment to learn how to make wise financial decisions.
Allison V. Bishop, CPA Financial Coach 207.805.8400
Visit
www.allisonbishop.com for more information Free Initial Consultation
www.EssentialLivingMaine.com 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36