Sclerotherapy Treatment
Sclerotherapy, or injection therapy, is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance. Sclerotherapy is done in-office using small needles. A variety of solutions are used to do sclerotherapy. The dosage is usually adjusted based on the size of the veins. Most patients find the discomfort of treatment to be minimal. No surgical incisions are made and anesthesia is not necessary. When a problem vein is closed off via sclerotherapy, the blood will re-route through the normal veins and flow much more efficiently.
Sclerotherapy works by irritating the lining of the vein such that the vein seals shut. It takes about 15-20 minutes and can be used to treat spider veins and varicose veins. Patients usually wear a compression stocking for a short period after treatment. Most people need a few treatments to obtain the best results. Treatments are generally done in monthly intervals.
Although complications may occur with any medical treatment, sclerotherapy has a good safety record. You should always discuss the risks and treatment alternatives with your physician.
WHY IT IS DONE
Sclerotherapy is used to treat:
- Spider veins and small veins that are not causing more serious problems.
- Smaller varicose veins that come back after vein-stripping surgery.
- Larger varicose veins, when newer techniques are used.
Sclerotherapy may be done alone or as a follow-up to surgery.
PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE
You will receive specific instructions from your physician on how to prepare for your treatment. Carefully following these instructions will help the procedure go more smoothly.
You'll be instructed not to apply any type of moisturizer, sunblock or oil to your legs on the day of your procedure. You may want to bring shorts to wear during the injections, as well as your physician-prescribed support hose, and slacks to wear home.
When scheduling your procedure, keep in mind that your legs may be bruised or slightly discolored for some weeks afterward. You probably won't be comfortable wearing shorts, a swimsuit or a mini skirt until after your legs have had time to clear up.
THE PROCEDURE
A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes. After changing into shorts, your legs may be photographed for your medical records. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Using one hand to stretch the skin taut, your doctor or nurse will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with maximum precision.
Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein - anywhere from five to 40 injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished.
During the procedure, you may listen to music, read, or just talk to your practitioner. You will be asked to shift positions a few times during the process. As the procedure continues, you will feel small needle sticks and possibly a mild burning sensation. However, the needle used is so thin and the sclerosing solution is so mild that pain is usually minimal.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
In addition to the compression tape applied during the procedure, tight-fitting support hose or ace bandage may be prescribed to guard against blood clots and to promote healing. The tape and cotton balls can be removed after 48 hours. However, you may be instructed to wear the support hose for 72 hours or more. You will be asked to ambulate the treated leg for 1 hour following treatment.
It is ok to drive and return to normal activities thereafter. We ask that you avoid high impact exercise, hot tubs and long baths. Avoid taking anticoagulation medicine such as Asprin or Ibuprofen.
It's not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. This temporary problem usually doesn't require medication.
You should be aware that your treated veins will look worse before they begin to look better. When the compression dressings are removed, you will notice bruising and reddish areas at the injection sites. The bruises will diminish within one month. In many cases, there may be some residual brownish pigmentation which may take up to a year to completely fade.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Although you probably won't want to wear any leg-baring fashions for about two weeks, your activity will not be significantly limited in any other way from sclerotherapy treatment.
You will be encouraged to walk to prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs. However, during the period of time to complete your treatment program, prolonged sitting and standing should be avoided, as should squatting, heavy weight lifting and "pounding" type exercises, including jogging.
A one-month healing interval must pass before you may have your second series of injections in the same site. After each treatment, you will notice further improvement of your legs' appearance.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Most patients are pleased with the difference sclerotherapy makes. The skin of your legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking. If you've been wearing long skirts and slacks to hide your spider veins, you'll now be able to broaden your fashion horizons. Often, patients are surprised at the dramatic difference in appearance between a treated leg and an untreated one.
Although sclerotherapy will eliminate the noticeable veins for good, it's important to remember that treatment will not prevent new spider veins from emerging in the future. As time passes, you may find that you need "touch-ups" or full treatments for new veins that surface. But even if you choose not to have further sclerotherapy, your legs will look better than if you never had treatment at all.
SCLEROTHERAPY SHOULD NOT BE DONE IF YOU
- Are pregnant or nursing. It is not known if the chemical (sclerosant) causes birth defects or problems with breast milk.
- Have a history of allergy to sclerosant or similar substances.
- Have blood clots or inflammation in the deep leg veins (deep vein thrombosis).
Sclerotherapy is usually not covered by insurance since it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
