Sclerotherapy - Varicose Vein Treatment

Dr. Crippen Assessing Supermodel/Actress Monika Schnarre for Vein Disease
   
"Thank you Dr. Crippen for treating my vein. It had bothered me for many years and I can't believe how quick and painless it was. Thank you." Monika

 

About Sclerotherapy

 

Sclerotherapy is a proven safe, effective, and virtually painless way of treating varicose and spider veins. It has been used, successfully, to treat both types of veins for well over 75 years. In the past few years, newer sclerosing agents have been developed, resulting in improved results for the patient. These new agents minimize the local discomfort of the injection and provide an excellent cosmetic result.

 

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When a sclerosing agent is injected into a diseased vein, it causes the vein to constrict and eventually close over a period of 4-6 weeks. The agent is designed to cling to the inside of the vein, and cause irreversible fibrosis of the offending vein. For this reason, sclerotherapy is quite effective in the treatment of vein disease.

 

 

Echo-Sclerotherapy

 

With the use of Duplex & Triplex Ultrasound, we are now able to diagnose diseased veins in areas where they are too deep to be visible. Thus, we are able to treat veins that were previously only treatable by surgical intervention. With the advantage of no down time, no anesthesia, and excellent results, we have found ultrasound guided sclerotherapy to be a major advance in the treatment of varicose vein disease.

Examples of Sclerotherapy Treatment

 

Post Treatment Procedures

Following the treatment, a compression bandage or stocking is applied. It is worn for a specified period of time, depending on the size of the vessel. Walking is an important part of the treatment plan, and the patient is instructed to walk immediately following the treatment for 30 minutes. Walking daily for at least 30 minutes is necessary for six weeks following the treatment.

Compression hose should be worn during activities that involve prolonged sitting or standing. This includes stationary jobs and long airplane or driving trips. Compression hosiery is now sheer, and comes in a variety of colours. They are generally comfortable for most women. They can be purchased at our clinic.

Three brands the compression stocking brands we carry and can order for you.

 

  
Follow-up appointments are usually 1-2 weeks following treatment, but this varies greatly for the particular situation and patient.  It takes only 4-6 weeks for the body to completely reabsorb the vein, causing it to disappear.

 

Cost Issues

 

Your medical plan or MSP will pay for the treatment of a venous disease, if it is symptomatic and there is physical evidence of dysfunction with examination. The procedure is covered by most insurance plans, however the medication and compression stockings are not. They are supplied by the Kelowna Vein Clinic & Aesthetic Solutions for a nominal fee. If you have an extended medical plan, it may cover the cost of these items.