Sclerotherapy Vein Treatments

Millions of women are bothered by varicose and spider veins – those small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins that most commonly appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. In fact it's estimated that at least half of the adult female population is plagued with this common cosmetic problem Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose and spider veins.

Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and has been in use since the 1930s.

FAQ

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy, is a well-proven medical procedure that has been in use since the 1930s and it used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins.

What can I expect during sclerotherapy?
A typical sclerotherapy treatment lasts about 15 to 45 minutes and is relatively pain free. At the beginning of your treatment, your LHCP will explain the procedure to you and the type of results you can expect. During the treatment, you may feel slight needle pricks and a mild sensation as the solution is injected into the vein. However, this sensation is relatively mild as the needle is so thin and the solution is diluted that the pain is usually inconsequential. Once the treatment is complete a cotton ball will be applied and compression tape to the treatment area. You will be asked to wear tight-fitting compression hose for several days following treatment. The compression hose will help speed the healing process.

How should I prepare for my Sclerotherapy treatment?
Prior to Sclerotherapy treatments, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your license health care provider about all medicines (including over-the-counter drugs, herbs and dietary supplements) you are taking before the procedure. It may be recommended that you avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (for example, Advil, Motrin and Nuprin) or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure (tape will not stick) and it is best to wear shorts to the procedure.

Who should consider Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment?
Men and women of any age can benefit from sclerotherapy treatment. Spider veins, which are small clusters of thin veins just under the surface of the skin, can appear and be treated at any age. Most commonly, people in their late 20's and beyond seek treatment for this condition.

What are the complications of Sclerotherapy?
The most common complication is a minor skin irritation or itching at the injection site from the sclerosing agent. As with any injection, there is always a risk of infection or allergic reaction which are both extremely rare. Hyperpigmentation or staining of the skin called hemosiderin staining can occur but goes away without further treatment.

Is Sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy is a very safe and common treatment for spider veins.

How long will it take to recover from Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, gentle procedure with virtually no down time. Most people are able to return to work and resume most activities immediately following treatment. You will be asked to wear compression hose for several days following the procedure. The compression hose help protect again blood clots and speed the healing process.

In the days following treatment, veins may actually appear darker and more prominent than they did before the injection. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. As your body continues to heal, the veins will begin to lighten. Generally two or more sessions, at least one month apart, are needed to achieve the desired results.

Will I experience any discomfort during the Sclerotherapy?
Most patients are pleased with the difference sclerotherapy makes. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking. Although sclerotherapy will obliterate the noticeable veins for good, it's important to remember that treatment will not prevent new spider veins from emerging in the future.

Bruising and discoloration should disappear within two weeks or so of your sclerotherapy procedure. You will be encouraged to walk to prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs. During your treatment program, prolonged sitting and standing should be avoided, as should squatting, heavy weight lifting and "pounding" type exercises, including jogging.

What happens to the sclerosed "feeder" veins? Don't I need those veins?
You have hundreds of healthy veins in your legs that have already taken over the functions of the unhealthy veins that we sclerose. We treat only the veins that have dilated and are creating spider veins or are painful. These dilated veins are not functioning properly and are actually refluxing or flowing in the wrong direction.

Are there any alternative treatments for spider veins?
Yes. Laser treatments can be effective. In many cases, Sclerotherapy vein treatment may be performed in conjunction with laser treatment for optimal results.

Will my spider veins come back?
It is natural during the course of treatment for some "new" spider veins to grow. Don't be discouraged, for some individuals this is an inevitable part of the treatment process. We treat them with sclerotherapy and or laser treatment. Since we focus on eliminating the "feeder veins" later recurrences of spider veins are minimized. Some individuals may need occasional "touch up" treatments 2-5 years after completion of their initial sclerotherapy.

How many treatments does it take for my spider veins to go away?
Spider vein treatment is a process. Spider veins do not appear overnight and they do not go away overnight unfortunately. The average person needs between 3-6, 30 minute treatments to get the cosmetic results desired. Treatments can be scheduled as soon as 3 weeks apart. We recommend 3-6 weeks between treatments.