Sclerotherapy

Procedure Description:
Sclerotherapy is a treatment designed to eliminate spider veins and smaller varicose veins.  During sclerotherapy a qualified vein physician or nurse uses a small needle to inject a solution directly into the unwanted spider vein. This solution displaces the blood to harden and clot the unwanted vein, cutting it off from feeder veins.

While sclerotherapy is most commonly associated with treating facial veins and spider veins, it can also sometimes be used to treat minor varicose veins on the legs. More often, however, because of the larger and more serious nature of varicose veins, surgical treatment is required.

Time Required:
Sclerotherapy sessions last about a half hour. Best results are usually seen after 3-4 treatments, but anywhere from 1-6 treatments may be necessary.

Side Effects:
Sclerotherapy side effects are typical with injectables and may include allergic reaction, itching, hyperpigmentation, and minor pain at the injection site.

Risks:
It is considered to be a very safe method of vein treatment.  On facial veins there is some risk of scarring.

Duration of Results:
With sclerotherapy, most veins will fade within 2-8 weeks (larger veins can take several months to fade) of the final session. Results are permanent, however, it is possible for new veins to form over time.

Recovery:
There is no downtime after the treatment and patients can immediately resume regular activities, but the sclerotherapy recovery period may involve wearing medical support hosiery to compress the treated area, and restricts on high impact activity for the first 10 days.

Insurance Info:
Due to the cosmetic nature of sclerotherapy, insurance is generally not involved. However, if a specific medical condition calls for the treatment, partial coverage may be received.

Discomfort Level:
Sclerotherapy is virtually painless. The injection is made with an ultra fine needle. For larger veins, a mild discomfort similar to cramping may be felt for a couple minutes.

Anesthesia:
None.

Can be Combined With:
Sclerotherapy can be combined with laser vein treatments or any other cosmetic treatment that would add aesthetic enhancement.

Also Known As:
Spider vein treatment. Spider vein removal.