What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a “non-surgical” method for treatment of unwanted leg veins. Using a very fine needle, the physician injects a solution “sclerosing agent” into the veins that causes them to contract and eventually disappear. The injected veins become inflamed, blood is then unable to flow through them and ultimately, the body absorbs these non-functioning vessels.
Does Sclerotherapy work for everyone?
The majority of persons who have Sclerotherapy will see good improvement.
The sclerosing solution being used is FDA approved.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient depending on the extents of varicose veins present.
The average is three to four treatments. However, there is no guarantee that multiple treatments will clear all veins. While Sclerotherapy is safe and highly effective, more than one treatment is usually required to clear or improve unsightly veins to a patient’s satisfaction.
What are the most common side effects?
- Itching: Depending upon the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts one to two hours but may persist for a day or so.
- Avoidance of alcohol and anticoagulant medication for 72 hours prior to each treatment session may minimize effect.
- Transient Hyperpigmentation: Approximately 10% of the patients who undergo Sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure (but then go away).
- Pain: A few patients may experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising usually at the site of injection. The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting one to at most seven days.
- Ankle swelling: Swelling may occur after treatment of blood vessels in the foot or ankle. It usually resolves itself in a few days and is lessened by wearing the prescribed support stocking.