Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about spider and varicose veins on your legs? Sclerotherapy is one of the techniques I use to treat spider veins and varicose veins on your legs. Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive medical procedure that involves injecting a solution into affected veins, causing them to shrink and eventually fade away. This treatment has been used for over a century and is considered to be one of the most effective ways to address unsightly veins, as well as veins that are causing symptoms.
In this blog, I will explore everything you need to know about sclerotherapy – how it works, and what the procedure entails. Whether you’re considering sclerotherapy for cosmetic or medical reasons, this blog and the video below will provide you with valuable insights into this popular vein therapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a time-tested medical procedure commonly used to treat spider and varicose veins. It involves the injection of a solution directly into the affected vein. This solution irritates and inflames the inside of the vein, causing the vein to close off and collapse. It will ultimately fade away and be absorbed by the body over time. Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both spider, varicose veins, and other veins deeper below the skin with the use of an ultrasound.
How Sclerotherapy Works
During the procedure, a medical professional will inject the solution into the damaged vein using a fine needle. In many practices, injections are performed by trained nurses if allowed in that state. Depending on the size and location of the vein, multiple injections may be necessary. After the injection, the area around the vein may be massaged to help disperse the solution and encourage the vein to collapse. Once the treatment is complete, the patient may be instructed to wear compression stockings to help promote healing, reduce swelling, and ensure that the vein closes down.
Patient Comfort
Sclerotherapy is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that patients tend to tolerate very well. The needle used for injection is very small, and most patients report feeling only a slight pinch or stinging sensation at the site of injection. Additionally, to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, we often use a numbing spray to further minimize any discomfort for larger veins. In most cases, the entire procedure can be completed in under an hour, and patients are typically able to return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
Procedure & Recovery
During sclerotherapy, I keep an eye out for a few common reactions that are part of the body's natural process of breaking down and processing the closed vein. These reactions include:
- Initially, there is an inflammation reaction with red irritated skin that fades away over several days. I usually prescribe a steroid cream to help reduce the possibility of a longer-lasting red inflammation reaction.
- A discolored streak may appear at the site of the treated vein, caused by trapped blood inside the closed vein. Over time, the body will gradually absorb this blood, leading to the fading of the affected area.
- Depending on the size of the vein, a raised area may also be visible due to trapped blood in the closed vein.
- A red streak may appear due to the body's inflammation response. This usually resolves on its own within days to weeks.
- Uncommonly, people can get a red tender vein which is a type of phlebitis. This may require treatment with steroids or may need to be numbed up and drained to relieve the pressure.
But don't worry, these reactions are normal and not cause for alarm! Our goal is to prevent the development of a permanent brown streak at the site of the treated vein. To monitor this, I schedule a follow-up appointment about 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. If the treated area is not fading away as expected, we may need to numb the area and use a needle to remove any trapped blood, similar to draining a blood blister. This can help speed up the fading of the brown streak, which may take several months to fully disappear.
Overall, sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment that has helped many patients improve the appearance of their spider and varicose veins with minimal discomfort.
