Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure that addresses spider veins and Varicose veins. This minimally invasive treatment only requires injecting a sclerosant, an irritating agent, or Bacteriostatic NACL 0.9% into the vein. The injectable agent causes an inflammatory response that closes the walls of the vein, causing it to shrink in size. The vein eventually disappears and is reabsorbed into the affected leg.
After the procedure, the leg is cleaned, and Compression stockings are required for the next few days following your treatment, as instructed by the medical provider. Sclerotherapy is very effective and safe for most patients.
Please note that several sessions may be required to completely eliminate varicose and spider veins.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy:
- Removes the smaller beginning varicose veins
- Short treatment
- Virtually painless
- No laser required
- Performed directly in our clinic
- Relieves symptoms associated with varicose and spider veins
- Permanently closes treated veins
There are many treatment options available, however, Jessica RPN., provides Sclerotherapy as an option for those who have smaller varicose and spider veins.
Pre-Care and
Post-Care Instructions
PRE-CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- Fill and bring compression stockings. 20 to 30mmHg is recommended.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications, supplements, or herbals for 7 to 10 days prior to treatment. This will decrease the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Avoid shaving your legs within 24 hours of the procedure.
- Avoid the use of lotions/creams on the day of the procedure.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
POST-CARE INSTRUCTIONS
After the injections, compression is given by a cotton ball and tape at the site of the injection. Compression stockings are applied which should be graduated at 20 to 30mmHg and be worn for the first 24 hours, followed by daily (during the day) for seven days. Overall, the duration of compression stocking varies on the vein injected. Larger veins may require up to three weeks. It is recommended that the patient walks for 30 minutes post-treatment, and daily for the next three days.
- Wear compression stockings as prescribed for best outcomes (this will decrease the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation, and matting, and increase lower limb circulation.
- Shower after 24 hours. Avoid submersion in water for a minimum of two weeks (for example, in baths, hot tubs, or pools)
- Use Acetaminophen for pain control if needed.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks.
- Avoid high-impact activities for two weeks.
- Avoid prolonged sunlight exposure to the treatment area to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
- Monitor signs of infection (swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness)
- The frequency of treatments varies between every two to four weeks, as tolerated. The average is every four weeks.
For the most effective and lasting results, we encourage you to modify your diet and lifestyle to promote healthy veins in the future. Being overweight or living a sedentary lifestyle contributes to an increased risk for venous insufficiency. Improving your overall health will have a positive effect on your veins and help you to live the quality of life you deserve.
Any bruising will typically subside within one week of your procedure, and all regular activities can be resumed immediately following the procedure.
Contraindications and cautions for treatment
- Acute superficial or deep vein thrombosis
- Local infection in the area of sclerotherapy or generalized severe infection
- Immobility, confinement to bed
- Advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease
- Hypothyroidism (if the sclerotic agent contains iodine)
- Pregnancy
- Known allergy to sclerotic agent
- Severe systemic disease
- Leg edema
- Saphenofemoral junction incompetence
- Thrombophilia with a history of deep vein thrombosis
- Long-standing diabetes
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
- Poor general health
- Myocardial decompensation
- Migraine
- Known hypercoagulability
- Breastfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this treatment recommended for?
This method of varicose and spider vein treatment is often recommended for veins that are smaller or less developed in their condition. Reticular veins, which have similar characteristics to spider veins but appear larger and blue, may also be treated with Sclerotherapy.
What Are The Possible Risks and Side Effects?
Some of the known side effects include swelling around the injected area, minimal bruising, redness, and itching where the injections are administered. These are common side effects, and they usually fade away within two to four weeks after the treatment. However, complications can occur and include, but are not limited to the listed below:
- Pain, discomfort, swelling of the leg
- Pigmentation (skin discoloration), infection
- Skin necrosis (with wounding and scarring), ulceration, and itchiness
- Secondary telangiectasias (spider veins)
How many treatments does it take?
The number of veins injected in one session varies depending on the size, amount, and location of the veins to be treated. Should you have multiple varicose or spider veins that require treatment, you may need several Sclerotherapy sessions to close all affected veins.
Is there a recovery period?
All regular activities can be resumed immediately following the procedure. However, Aerobics and vigorous exercises are not permitted for up to one week after Sclerotherapy.
Before & After
