What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure developed almost 150 years ago to eradicate unwanted, non-functional veins. Although used primarily to remove varicose veins and spider veins of the legs and thighs, unwanted veins at other sites, including facial veins, can also be treated by sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy has been safely and successfully performed for decades.

Sclerotherapy Treatment Varicose Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Varicose Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Varicose Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Varicose Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Spider Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Spider Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Spider Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment Spider Veins in the legs

Sclerotherapy Treatment of Facial Veins

Sclerotherapy Treatment of Facial Veins

Is there any harm in removing these unsightly veins?
Varicose and spider veins are non-functional, and their removal does not adversely affect circulation. In fact, their removal may actually improve the local venous circulation. By the time varicose and spider veins have appeared, normal veins in the same vicinity have taken over their function.

How is Sclerotherapy performed?
The procedure involves the injection of a sterile solution (called a sclerosing solution or sclerosant) into the vein. The purpose of the solution is to produce irreversible and irreparable alteration to the vein. If this is achieved, the vein will ultimately be absorbed as is illustrated below.

What solution is used?
The sclerosant most commonly used is sodium tetradecyl sulfate. It is FDA approved for sclerotherapy, specifically to remove varicose and spider veins.

Does treatment and removal of varicose veins result in the appearance of new varicosities?
The removal of varicose or spider veins does not, in and of itself, stimulate the development of new varicose veins. However, anyone who has varicose or spider veins is likely predisposed to this condition and can expect new varicose or spider veins to develop, whether or not pre-existing veins have ever been treated.

Can anyone be treated?
Almost anyone with unwanted varicose and spider veins can be treated, except women who are pregnant or nursing.

What can I expect after treatment?
After Sclerotherapy there is usually some redness and swelling along the course of the treated veins. This may persist for a few hours, days or longer depending upon the size of the treated veins. Less commonly, there may be some bruising. You may resume all normal activities immediately after treatment. There is no need for bedrest, leg elevation, or any specific exercise program. During the subsequent few weeks or months, depending upon the size of the treated veins, the veins will be resorbed and disappear. It may be necessary to wear a compression stocking after treatment for a few days to a few weeks, and sometimes longer.

How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments required is based upon the number and extent of your unwanted veins. Usually a vein will respond after one treatment. Because there is a limit to the quantity of sclerosant that can be injected during any one treatment, if there are numerous veins present, several treatments may be necessary. The number of treatment sessions required will be estimated at the time of your initial consultation.

How often are treatments performed?
If multiple veins are present and more than one treatment visit is required, the sessions can be at intervals as soon as 24 hours apart. The total number of treatment sessions is not affected by the interval between treatments.

How long is each treatment and where is it performed?
Each treatment session lasts up to 30 minutes and is performed in the office.

How will I feel after treatment?
You should feel completely normal after treatment and may immediately resume normal activities. For this reason, it is not unusual for someone to receive treatment during a lunch break and then return to work.

Is any testing necessary prior to sclerotherapy?
Sometimes ultrasound testing is necessary to determine the extent of varicose vein involvement, especially in deeper veins. The need for such testing is based upon Dr. Green's findings at the time of the initial examination. Testing is not routinely ordered so that unnecessary expenses are avoided.

Should I wait until after I have all of my pregnancies before treating my veins?
There is no need to wait until having all of your anticipated pregnancies before beginning treatment. However, this is a common misconception. In fact, it is wise to treat varicose and spider veins prior to pregnancy so that they are gone and cannot become worse. Of course, new varicose and spider veins can develop during subsequent pregnancies but at least the previously treated ones would be gone.

Are there any side effects?
Sclerotherapy, like any medical intervention, will have the potential for some adverse effects. Fortunately, serious side effects from Sclerotherapy are rare. The most common side effect from Sclerotherapy is temporary discoloration along the course of the treated vein. It appears as a tan or brown line and almost always disappears spontaneously, but can take months or longer. Less commonly, dilated capillaries develop adjacent to treated spider veins. These usually fade spontaneously, but sometimes persist. If they persist, treatment with laser may eliminate them.

Is laser treatment an option instead of Sclerotherapy?
Dr. Green uses vascular lasers and has lectured extensively on their use. However, the current generation of lasers is ineffective for removing varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is still the most effective non-surgical method for removing varicose and most spider veins. Lasers are often used to treat vascular lesions, including some spider veins and most dilated capillaries.

Do you have a question? - Email: skincare@laserderm.net