Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection treatment used to eliminate spider veins and small to medium size varicose veins. A mild chemical solution ( sotradecol or polidocanol ) is injected into the affected vein, with a very fine small needle. The inner lining wall of the vein becomes irritated which causes the vein to collapse.

The vein is absorbed by the body ultimately eliminating the problem vein.

No pretreatment patient preparation is needed. Following the injections, the leg is wrapped with an elastic bandage for several hours and instructed to wear a compression stocking for the next 7-10 days post-procedure.

What is the treatment like and how long does it take?

After your evaluation, a treatment plan will be suggested. We will discuss with you the estimated number of treatments. This depends upon the type and extend of the varicose or spider veins to be treated. It is important to remember that the number of sessions can be only estimated, since every one responds differently to sclerotherapy. A treatment session is about 30 minutes. A very fine needle is used to inject the veins with a small quantity of a chemical solution which involves multiple injections sites.

Is the Procedure Painful?

In general the only discomfort associated with the procedure is caused by the needle sticks. However , this is minimal since very small, fine needle is used. The solutions rarely, if ever, cause pain when injected. However, when large veins are treated, there is often an inflammatory reaction along the vein that cause some redness and soreness for several days. This is normal and often a sign of a good response. Any discomfort is usually relieved by compression.

How long is each treatment session?

Each treatment session is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The initial consultation with treatment takes about 1 1/2 hour. Sessions are normally scheduled two to four weeks apart.

When can I expect to see results?

Although some people see results almost immediately, it can take weeks for the veins to resolve completely. With spider vein treatments, the veins often will turn red, and bruising will occur at the injection site. This initial reaction usually goes away within seven days and then the veins slowly disappear over the next two to six weeks. When larger veins are treated by injection, it is normal to see some discoloration and bruising at the injection site and along the vein redness and slight soreness are also common, but not worrisome.

Over several weeks the larger vein will scar down and appear as a black, slightly raised ridge. This will be progressively absorbed by the body over approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Occasionally longer periods of time are needed for the full effect. A level of 70% - 80% overall improvement is realistic.

Most conditions usually requires an average of 3 to 6 treatments, spaced out 2 to 4 weeks apart.

How successful is sclerotherapy?