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Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a simple and effective, noninvasive procedure for small varicose veins.
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Sclerotherpy is the most common way to treat small to medium varicose and spider veins. In this procedure a solution is injected into the varicose vein causing the vein to be reabsorbed by the body. This is a simple office procedure that only takes 30-60 minutes. In some cases repeated treatments may be necessary. After treatment, you will be required to wear compression stockings for a short duration to assist with the reabsorbtion of the spider veins. Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged.
Before treatment, a complete medical history is taken and a thorough medical examination is conducted. This is done to determine how long the problem has existed, the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not the condition is affected by physical activity. It is also done to see if you have undergone prior surgery or other vein therapy. At this time, the physician assesses if your deep vein system is affected. If so, he or she may recommend that you have another procedure prior to undergoing sclerotherapy.
The Advanced Vein Center will provide comprehensive patient preparation guidelines to optimize your vein treatment experience. Our vein center coordinator is always available to clarify any questions you may have.
The benefits of sclerotherapy for varicose veins include:
- Reduces or eliminates unsightly veins.
- Does not interfere with normal daily activities
- Safe, virtually painless, in-office treatment
- Relief of symptoms
- Nearly immediate visible results
Patients who have had sclerotherapy have reported little discomfort. Some experience a slight to moderate burning sensation immediately after the injection, but this disappears within a few seconds. An ointment to soothe the skin and relieve the burning may be used, and a pressure bandage may be applied to prevent post-injection bleeding. Some physicians prefer to use compression stockings. Others use compression bandages.
Sclerotherapy patients are generally advised to return to normal daily activity immediately following the procedure. Vigorous physical activity, however, is discouraged for 24 hours. Walking immediately after sclerotherapy is encouraged because it increases blood flow through the remaining healthy veins that bring blood back toward the heart. Elevating the legs usually isn’t recommended unless large varicose veins have been treated.
Most patients experience no adverse effects from sclerotherapy, but some minor side effects have been reported. These include slight blistering that occurs when small amounts of the injected solution seep into the surrounding areas. This usually goes away with time, and additional treatment with bleaching agents can help.
Bruising around the treated area can result if the veins are unusually weak, but this eventually disappears. Fair-skinned people tend to bruise more than dark-skinned people. Clots sometimes develop at the injection site. Although not a major cause for concern, it may be necessary to remove these clots within two weeks to better allow the healing process to progress normally.
A small percentage of patients develop a network of tiny pink vessels that turn white when pressure is applied. This condition, referred to as matte telangiectasias, usually disappears without treatment, but sometimes injection treatment is needed. Occasionally, patients have allergic reactions to the injected solution. When this occurs, antihistamines and other medications are prescribed to offset the reaction right away. When large varicose veins are treated, wearing compression stockings is recommended to prevent recurrence.
Click here for complete Sclerotherapy patient preparation and post procedure directions.
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