Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider and smaller varicose veins. The veins are injected with a saline solution that irritates the lining of the vessels. The veins swell up and stick together, so that no further blood can pass through. Eventually the vein turns to scar tissue and becomes invisible on the surface of the skin. Sclerotherapy has been used since the 1930’s to treat spider veins and is considered a relatively safe and effective procedure.
Is Sclerotherapy Right for Me?
The best candidates for sclerotherapy are patients with spider or smaller varicose veins. The development of the veins might be due to:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Weight gain
- Hormonal changes
- Long periods of standing
The procedure is typically recommended for patients who want to remove the veins to diminish uncomfortable symptoms like burning or itching, or for cosmetic reasons. Pregnant women should not have sclerotherapy and those who have had blood clots in the past will need to talk to one of our doctors about whether sclerotherapy is a good choice for them. The procedure is not done on vessels that could be used for heart bypass procedures in the future, unless the vein has already been deemed unusable.
What is the Procedure Like?
Sclerotherapy is done right in our clinic, using a very fine needle to inject the saline solution directly into the vein. The patient may feel some mild discomfort or cramping while the solution is going into the vein; however, few patients require any sort of sedative or anesthesia to complete the procedure. To enhance patient comfort, a solution containing lidocaine may be used.
The treatment session usually takes less than an hour to complete, depending on the number of veins to be treated. Patients can usually drive themselves home from the procedure and are encouraged to walk soon afterward. However, aerobic activity is prohibited for the first few days after treatment. Patients are instructed to wear compression stockings for a period of time after the procedure to encourage healing and prevent new spider veins from forming. Our offices carry a wide line of compression garments for this purpose to ensure you can find the right fit for your needs.
What can I Expect Afterward?
Sclerotherapy is a relatively safe procedure that carries few risks. Some of the side effects patients might experience include:
- Larger veins may become lumpy and hard for a few months until they disappear
- Skin discoloration may appear at the injection site, which usually disappears within months
- Some new blood vessels may appear on the surface of the skin, but these often disappear on their own within a few months
Is Sclerotherapy Considered a Permanent Solution to Spider Veins?
Sclerotherapy is an effective, permanent spider vein solution for the vast majority of patients. However, the treatment does not prevent further spider veins from appearing. These new veins can also be treated using sclerotherapy when necessary.
If sclerotherapy sounds like the right solution for your spider veins, contact Varicose Vein Surgeons to get more information or schedule an appointment. Our experienced staff is ready to take your medical history and provide a thorough physical examination to determine whether sclerotherapy is the right choice for getting rid of your unwanted spider and varicose veins once and for all.
