"How Effective Is Foam Treatment Really?"
In the world of varicose vein treatment, the method known as "sclerotherapy" or commonly as "foam treatment" is frequently used especially for medium and small-sized varicose veins. This clinically accepted technique involves injecting a foam-form sclerosant into the vein to cause its walls to shrink. However, there are some critical points about foam treatment:

1. Who is the treatment suitable for?

2. How many sessions does it take to complete?

3. What are the risks?

4. "Are you ready? What to pay attention to after foam treatment?"

In this article, all these questions are answered, providing awareness and presenting the process as transparently as possible.

1. What Is Foam Sclerotherapy and How Is It Applied?
Foam treatment causes the closure of varicose veins by damaging the inner walls of the vein through injection of a sclerosant foam. The foam form increases inhalation speed and acts on a larger surface area, thereby enhancing effectiveness.

• Foam is injected under the skin using a needle during the procedure.

• A single session usually lasts 15–30 minutes.

• The number of sessions varies between 2 and 4, depending on the extent of the veins.

• Local anesthesia or sedation is generally not required.

2. Who Is It Most Suitable For?
Foam treatment is ideal for:

• Patients with medium-sized varicose veins

• Those wanting to reduce the appearance of fine veins for aesthetic reasons

• Patients avoiding surgery

• Non-pregnant women and men with low clotting risk

However, it may not be suitable for those with deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, or large saphenous vein insufficiency. Each patient should be individually evaluated with Doppler ultrasound.

3. Treatment Process and Aftercare
a) Before Treatment:

• Vein structure and flow are evaluated via Doppler ultrasound.

• Treatment is decided if there is no active clotting history.

b) Application:

• Sterile environment ensured with polyurethane gloves.

• Thin needle inserted into the vein and foam injected.

• Light walking is recommended after the procedure.

c) Post-Treatment Care:

• Compression stockings should be worn for 1–2 weeks.

• Heavy exercise should be avoided.

• Sun protection is essential, especially during summer.

• Follow-up appointments should be scheduled every 4–6 weeks.

4. Advantages

• Minimally invasive: No cuts or stitches needed.

• Quick: Short session duration, rapid return to daily life.

• Effective and aesthetic results.

• Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than surgery.

5. Possible Risks and Complications

• Short-term bruising and swelling

• Very rare allergic reactions

• Hypopigmentation (slight skin discoloration)

• Very low risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Microbial infection risk is almost nonexistent

These risks can largely be prevented with properly trained physicians and appropriate patient selection.

6. Post-Treatment Team and Follow-up
Post-treatment monitoring is crucial:

1. Wear compression stockings consistently.

2. Do not skip follow-up visits.

3. Monitor for swelling and bruising.

4. Plan additional sessions if necessary.

Conclusion
Foam treatment is an effective, fast, and aesthetic method for medium-sized varicose veins. Its minimally invasive nature and low risk profile make it a safe choice. However, successful outcomes require proper patient selection, adequate care, and regular follow-up.