Sclerotherapy has been successfully used since the 1930's to eliminate unwanted blood vessels - both spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins are dilated small blood vessels which appear mostly on the legs but also on the face. Varicose veins are larger dilated vessels which may be raised above the skin, and are more likely to cause discomfort.

How does sclerotherapy work?

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure in which one of several different kinds of solutions, called sclerosing solutions, is injected into a blood vessel through a micro-needle. The solution causes a series of reactions inside the vein. Over a period of weeks to months, the vein fades and eventually disappears.

Although unwanted vessels do carry blood, these spider veins are not necessary for good health.

what should I do before sclerotherapy?

Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for one week prior to the procedure to minimize bruising. Do not drink alcohol and do not smoke for two days prior and two days after treatment. Do not shave your legs on the day of treatment. Before your appointment, wash your legs with an antibacterial soap; do not apply cream or lotion. Bring loose-fitting shorts to wear during the procedure.

what happens during sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy treatment generally causes little or no pain to patients. During the injection with a sclerosing solution, there may be a mild stinging and cramping in the legs. This subsides within minutes. Larger veins are usually treated first.

When a blood vessel is injected with a small amount of sclerosing solution, the solution displaces the blood inside that vein. This process makes the vein blanche and turn 'clear.' The solution then irritates the lining of the vein. The micro-needle is then withdrawn and pressure is immediately applied.

What happens after treatment?

Immediately after sclerotherapy treatment, a patient's legs will be wrapped in compression bandages or support hose. The support hose should be worn for two to seven days. Be sure to have loose-fitting slacks and comfortable walking shoes with you.

Walking and normal activities may be resumed immediately. Walk at least one hour per day! Avoid standing for extended periods of time.

Heavy exercise or high-impact aerobics should be avoided for the first three days after sclerotherapy.

Am I a candidate for sclerotherapy?

Almost everyone can benefit from sclerotherapy. Inform our physicians if you have a history of thrombosis or clots in any leg veins.

The number of treatments required to clear or improve veins differs for each patient, and depends on the extensiveness of the veins. One to six treatments may be needed; the average is three to four. There is no guarantee that multiple treatments will clear all veins. While individual veins may require several injections, most disappear within two to eight weeks.

What about lasers?

There is no 'magic' laser treatment for veins on legs. Lasers are used successfully on blood vessels on the face and elsewhere on the body, but sclerotherapy has been consistently proven to be the superior treatment for larger leg veins. We do have lasers available for the treatment of spider veins.

Final thoughts...

Some minor potential side effects from sclerotherapy include itching along the treated veins, lasting up to several hours; skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) along the treated veins, lasting from two to eight weeks; and slight bruising along treatment sites which may last up to two weeks. Sperfluous ulcers may develop at the injection sites.

On rare occasions, 'matting' occurs. This is the development of small vessels overlying the treated blood vessels, and may begin two to three weeks after treatment and usually resolves within two to six months. Matting is more common in patients taking estrogen, but may happen to any patient. Finally, phlebitis is an extremely rare complication, seen in one out of 1,000 cases, and occurs primarily when treating larger vessels.

Despite a very low incidence of side effects, sclerotherapy is a safe, successful treatment to eliminate unwanted spider veins of the legs.