Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

It’s no surprise that many people are eager to get rid of their unsightly varicose veins. The good news is, there are a few different ways to do so! In honor of National Beautician’s Day tomorrow, we’d like to dedicate this blog post to helping you choose the best treatment possible to beautify your body and get your legs vein-free for the beach this summer.

First, we’ll review the two most common types of varicose vein treatments: Sclerotherapy and Laser Therapy.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed by injecting a chemical solution of sclerosant into your unwanted spider or varicose vein. The solution works to irritate, inflame and dry out the vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body. The body will compensate for the vein loss by redirecting blood to flow through alternative, deeper veins, significantly reducing the appearance and pain associated with varicose veins.

Laser Therapy is non-invasive, and require no chemical process. Instead, a laser is shot directly onto the vein through the skin, which heats up causing the blood to coagulate and collapse the vessel. The procedure itself usually takes between 15-20 minutes, and within four to six weeks the vein will be reabsorbed into the body, leaving virtually no trace of its existence.

Now, take a look at the comparative overview below, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment, and when they are typically recommended.

Sclerotherapy -- vs -- Laser Therapy
Advantages: Less expensive option  Faster and more effective Disadvantages: Not the best choice for all vascular medical and cosmetic needs  Recommended for: Reducing smaller, superficial spider veins on the hands and legs  Those with low pain thresholds  Patients with darker skin	Advantages: More effective than sclerotherapy when treating specific vascular issues Disadvantages: More expensive and less effective  Potentially more painful Recommended for: Veins in sensitive areas, like the face  Patients with a fear of needles or an allergy to sclerosant chemicals  Treatment of veins too small for injection

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide surgical solutions for all of your cosmetic and medical vascular needs. Serving patients in Nassau, Suffolk and the surrounding areas, our team of leading surgeons is committed to providing exceptional services with state of the art technologies. For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.