Sclerotherapy treatment uses an injectable solution to treat varicose and spider veins. These veins are very noticeable on the skin and may be red or blue.
During treatment, the solution is injected directly into the affected vein. It damages the veins, and causes them to close up, the blood flow is redirected to healthy veins, and the body reabsorbs the damaged veins. Usually, 50-80% of the affected veins will disappear in one session. In some cases, patients may not respond to the treatment at all. Smaller veins need 3-6 weeks to fade, and larger ones can take 3-4 months.
These veins will not reappear; however, new veins might form. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or patients who are bedbound may not have sclerotherapy. Women who have just undergone childbirth will have to wait several months before getting sclerotherapy.
A typical session lasts 30-45 minutes. Doctors cleanse the area before injecting the solution into the affected veins. Some patients may need several injections depending on the vein width and the site of the damaged vein. Patients may experience discomfort and cramping that will last a few minutes.
Doctors advise avoiding certain medications before sclerotherapy, such as antibiotics, aspirin, ibuprofen, and prednisone. Always consult with your doctor before stopping any medications. They may also conduct an ultrasound scan before sclerotherapy to identify and locate the damaged veins.
After the treatment, patients need to refrain from applying lotion. They must avoid hot baths and saunas, avoid strenuous exercise, and stay away from direct sun exposure. Patients must also wear a compression stocking to prevent clotting.
Side effects from sclerotherapy include lumpy and hard veins that will heal after a few months, swelling at the injection site, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, and allergic reactions. Patients should raise their concerns to their physician immediately if they experience severe effects, such as swelling around the groin, swollen legs, and ulcers in the injected area.
