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Sclerotherapy is the most popular method of getting rid of spider veins. Although it does not actually cure spider veins, sclerotherapy is a good method of treatment to clear them away. The sclerosant, such as Sotradecol is injected into the veins using tiny needles. The sclerosant then irritates the inner lining of the vein, resulting in closure of the vein. The vein stops carrying blood and disappears with time. Most patients who have sclerotherapy performed have satisfying results and little discomfort.
Treatment differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the vein disease. An average of four treatments is required in most cases to achieve a 70%-80% clearing; 100% is not a realistic goal. The treatment sessions typically last about 15 minutes and are done at four week intervals. Some people might see enough improvement with two to three sessions. Others might require five or six, depending on the extent of the problem. All of the leg vein removal sessions at our One Stop Procedure Clinic are handled on an individual basis; your care is personalized according to your schedule and desires.
Following treatment you may develop bruising at the injection site, which is normal and usually goes away in two weeks. Any staining of the skin or telangiectatic matting (tiny new veins) is usually temporary. An allergic reaction to the sclerosant is rare. You should minimize sunlight exposure for 6-8 weeks after sclerotherapy for best results. After the series of recommended treatments, successfully treated veins either disappear or are much less noticeable. However, patients with a history of spider veins tend to develop new ones (with or without treatment), and a yearly touch up may be needed. If you have leaking valves in your deep veins, you will likely continue to develop spider veins if the underlying cause is not treated. In this case, you need an endovenous laser treatment (EVLA).
Foam Sclerotherapy and Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Sometimes, our provider foam the solution to allow better resolution and coverage of the veins treated. If the patient has hidden larger varicose veins and perforated veins (which connect the deep vein system to the superficial system). They are injected with our foamed sclerosing solution under ultrasound guidance for better accuracy and coverage of the veins treated.
Summary of sclerotherapy include:
- Performed in a routine office visit
- No pre-treatment preparation
- No anesthesia needed
- Usually painless, has mild discomfort like a mosquito bite
- Patients can resume normal activity after the treatment
- No post-treatment scarring
- An average of 3 treatments with 15 minutes each session, depending on the extent of the problem
- Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy may be need in some patients
