UGS is a treatment for superficial and tributary varicose veins. With guidance from an ultrasound, medication is injected into the vein which causes the vein to swell and close. The body absorbs the closed veins and blood circulation is reestablished.
What is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Florida Lakes Vein Center offers ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, which is a specialized procedure that treats surface and branch varicose veins. It works by closing malfunctioning veins from the inside. Prior to the procedure, an ultrasound is used to locate and record the size and faulty valves in each leg. From there, a sclerosant medication is directly injected into the veins, causing them to dissolve. Ultrasound guidance helps your provider navigate through the treatment more accurately and identify the diseased veins that lay deeper in the leg. After the procedure, the vein tissue is then naturally absorbed by the body, and blood flow reroutes into healthy veins improving circulation.
How Long Does Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy Take?
UGS is used to treat moderate to severe vein disease. Like our other treatment options, it is an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. It is noninvasive, so you can expect limited discomfort and little to no side effects.
Once your vein treatment is completed, a bandage will be placed over the injection site, and you’ll be able to resume your normal activities the same day, with little downtime. The quick turnaround of this procedure is a major benefit for patients suffering from venous insufficiency and is a great option for the treatment of varicose veins.
What Can I Expect After Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Following your treatment, veins will appear darker than normal for about a week. Typically, in six to eight weeks the appearance of varicose veins will disappear. You may experience minor bruising, swelling, or sensitivity for a few weeks after treatment.
After completing ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, patients will experience pain-free legs!
