Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1920s for the treatment of spider veins (telangiectasias), small purple and red blood vessels. Spider veins are hereditary, and while most commonly found on the thigh or lower leg, can form virtually anywhere on the leg, from the uppermost region of the thigh to the ankle. Sclerotherapy has proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure, and is preferred over laser in the treatment of varicose and spider veins.

Technique:
The veins to be treated are marked while the patient is standing. Larger veins are usually treated first. A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein with a micro-needle. The solution causes the vein to turn white (blanch), and then gradually disappear. A typical treatment lasts 20 minutes. Injection sclerotherapy can be an excellent alternative to surgery for some patients.

Benefits:

No downtime; patients can immediately resume work and all normal activities, but the patient is advised to refrain from vigorous activities for the first 24 hours.

Little if any discomfort.

A safe, time-proven procedure.

Other Considerations:

Complete correction is not expected. Only about 50 to 70% of the treated vessels will be permanently gone. 3 to 4 or more treatment sessions may be necessary, depending on the number of vessels to be treated. 

Patients may be asked initially to wear support stockings to help keep treated veins closed and to reduce bruising.

On occasion, tiny clots or discoloration can develop at the site of the injection.

If there is an underlying problem with the venous system, the veins will recur.

See Sclerotherapy Photos