What is Sclerotherapy?
This is a procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. During Sclerotherapy, we inject a solution directly into the affected vein.
The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. The treatment area is cleansed. The solution is injected directly into the blood vessel, using very fine needles. The number of veins injected in one session depends on the size and location of the veins, and the patient’s overall medical condition. Lasts 30-45 minutes.
Varicose Veins
These are larger blood vessels that have become swollen and twisted. They appear dark blue and stick out from the skin like raised tunnels. Varicose veins can develop anywhere in the body, but usually sprout on the legs and ankles. They are treatable by Sclerotherapy.
Spider Veins
These are small, twisted blood vessels that are visible through the skin. They may be red, purple, or blue and most often appear on the legs or face. They take their name from their striking spider web pattern. They are also treatable by Sclerotherapy.
What causes Varicose & Spider Veins?
Healthy veins carry blood to the heart through a series of one-way valves. These valves allow blood to flow in the right direction from superficial veins to deeper veins and to the heart. The vessels are surrounded by muscles that contract and help pump blood to the heart. Normally the veins have a one-way valve to prevent backflow. However, problems with the valves, muscles or blood itself can allow blood to pool inside the vein. As blood pools within the vein, pressure builds and the vessel wall weakens. As a result, the vein tends to bulge and twist. Depending on the size of the blood vessel and the extent of swelling, the result is a spider vein or varicose vein.
Are they dangerous?
While they are annoying to look at, they rarely pose a serious health threat. Occasionally, they may contribute to ulcers forming (large sores in the skin), especially near the ankles. Varicose veins can also form painful blood clots.
Who gets Varicose & Spider Veins?
Anyone can get them but they are more common among the following;
- Women are twice as susceptible as men
- People with jobs that keep them on their feet including nurses, teachers etc
What causes Varicose & Spider Veins?
- Aging
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Prior Trauma, or surgery to the leg
- Genetic predisposition
Sclerotherapy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How successful is Sclerotherapy for Spider Vein & Varicose Vein removal?
After several spider vein removal Sclerotherapy sessions, most patients notice a 70-90% improvement in the appearance and symptoms. The full effect and benefit of treatment usually take several weeks. For this reason, we recommend waiting 3-6 weeks in between Sclerotherapy treatments.
2. What type of veins can be treated with Sclerotherapy?
Other than leg spider veins, Sclerotherapy can eliminate prominent hand and arm veins, chest spider and blue veins, and small veins in other parts of the body. Although sometimes used for facial vein removal, laser vein therapy is a safer option.
3. Is Sclerotherapy painful?
The discomfort of Sclerotherapy should be minimal. An occasional spot may be more sensitive than others, but generally, the procedure should be well tolerated for most patients.
4. Is Sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy, when performed appropriately by a specialist, is a remarkably safe and effective technique and common side effects are usually temporary and well tolerated.
5. How do I prepare for Sclerotherapy?
- Avoid tanning during the weeks leading to Sclerotherapy.
- Do not take any NSAID medications (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin), vitamin E, or herbal supplements that increase your chances of bruising.
- Don’t shave within 24 hrs of the treatment as the solution used for cleansing purposes may cause some stinging.
6. What can I expect after the first Sclerotherapy session?
As the initial bruising subsides, some veins may disappear completely, others may show little islets or isolated beads of clots along the track of the vein. Some veins may survive but become much thinner and weaker and more susceptible to closure with the following session.
7. How long does it take for the veins to disappear?
It depends on many factors, including the technique of injection, the type, and strength of the solution used in Sclerotherapy, the density and thickness of the vessels in a given area, as well as the skin complexion of the patient. In our experience, most spider veins disappear between 2 weeks and two months. Reticular veins may require more than one session to disappear.
8. Is Sclerotherapy safe during pregnancy?
It is advisable that pregnant or breastfeeding women postpone Sclerotherapy, as fetal safety is not established. In addition, many women experience spontaneous disappearance of the unsightly veins in the months following delivery, making treatment unnecessary or simpler.
9. Who shouldn’t have Sclerotherapy?
Other than pregnant women, almost anyone can have Sclerotherapy for hand and chest vein removal. However, please note that:
- You should avoid leg vein Sclerotherapy if you are bedridden, or cannot be physically active for whatever reason.
- You should also avoid Sclerotherapy if you have a history of blood clots in the legs.
- Finally, do not have Sclerotherapy if you have a history of an allergic reaction to one of the Sclerotherapy solutions.
