Sclerotherapy

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If you’re bothered by how veins on your legs or face look or feel, sclerotherapy for spider and varicose vein treatment is to consider. In a relatively quick outpatient procedure, your doctor injects a solution into the vein that makes it clot, redirecting blood to healthier veins. Over a few weeks (or months, for varicose veins), treated veins get reabsorbed into your tissue and fade.

Sclerotherapy effectively treats spider veins and sometimes very small varicose. It’s often considered the “gold standard” in treating spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure in which a liquid or foam substance is injected into spider, reticular, or small varicose veins causing it to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed by the body and eventually fades.

If you’re bothered by how veins on your legs look or feel, sclerotherapy for spider and varicose vein treatment is an option to consider: • If you have spider or small vericose veins that bother you on your legs • If you are looking for a non-surgical, permanent option to treat spider veins on your legs

During a sclerotherapy procedure, a sterile chemical solution is injected in the affected vein using a very fine needle. The solution is designed to irritate the inside lining of the vein, which causes the walls of the vein to swell an stick together. Ultimately, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is NOT suitable for treating large vericose veins. If you have symptoms like heaviness, tiredness, and swelling in your legs,  it’s very important to rule out any underlying valve or vascular problems and may consider doing an ultrasound first before proceeding with sclerotherapy.

When performed by a qualified specialist, sclerotherapy is a safe and quick outpatient procedure that can produce exceptional results. Because the needle used for the procedure is so tiny, patients generally feel little discomfort during the procedure, though they may feel some itching or burning for a few hours afterward. You can take Benadryl if needed. You’ll be able to get up and walk around soon after the procedure. Walking and moving your legs is important to promote circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots. Long distance travel should be avoided for two weeks and any strenuous activity and/or work outs should be be put on hold for two to three days post-treatment. Side effects include minimal bruising and swelling for a few days afterwards. Some patients may experience pigment skin changes around the treated veins that will typically fade over time. Other side effects can occur and will be discussed in more detail during your appointment. Any discomfort can be easily managed by over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers like Tylenol. You will be strongly encouraged to wear compression stockings at least 72 hours post-treatment to speed the healing process.