Sclerotherapy Treatment Overview

The sclerotherapy treatment process is pretty straightforward and to the point. The results that people see from having it done sing nothing but praise.

Who are Good Candidates for Sclerotherapy Treatment?

To find out if you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy treatment, usually there is consultation with a physician, dermatologist or a vascular medicine specialist. From here they will determine if the treatment is right for you.

Women who are pregnant or confined to a bed will not be allowed to have the procedure done. If you have had a blood clot in the past, then your chance at having the treatment done will be determined by your doctor. They will take a wide range of issues into play to ensure that you are right for the treatment.

The saphenous vein, that is usually used for coronary artery bypass graft surgery is one of the veins that will not be used for treatment.

How Is Sclerotherapy Treatment Conducted?

Sclerotherapy treatment occurs where a solution is injected directly into the affected varicose or spider vein which will cause them to eventually vanish. The sclerotherapy procedure is using small needles. Typically the procedure does not take more than 30-60 minutes.

There are many different types of solutions that are used in the sclerotherapy treatment. Dosage is often based on the size of the veins. Once the procedure has begun, people should expect to feel a little sting associated with each injection. There is also a burning sensation that should last a few seconds.  The discomfort felt as a result of the treatment is usually described as minimal.  
The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.

Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor's office by dermatologist or a surgeon and requires that no form of aerobic activity is done for two days after the procedure.

What Should be Done Before Sclerotherapy Treatment?

Before having the sclerotherapy treatment done it should be noted that specific medications should be avoided. This includes the antibiotic Tetracycline which can result in the staining of the skin if it is take a week – 2 weeks before your treatment. If you plan on taking any form of medication you should consult with your physician.

Sclerotherapy Treatment Side Effects

There are mild side effects that are associated with the sclerotherapy treatment. These are generally itching and bruising. These usually should disappear after a couple of days or a week. The other side effects that patients might experience are the larger veins that have been injected may become hard and lumpy and this could result in it taking several months to dissolve and fade. There is also the chance that by the vein site, brown spots or lines may appear. These usually fade after 3-6 months.

If any of the more serious side effects should occur such as an immediate swollen leg, inflammation near the groin or the growth of small ulcers by the injection site; then a doctor should be seen immediately.

Some people might have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent that is used. This is rare but can be very serious. If you have a history of allergies, then it is best to have a test done to ensure that the treatment won’t affect you.

 

Sclerotherapy Treatment Aftercare?

The side effects related to the sclerotherapy treatment are pretty minor. Most people after the procedure are able to drive home and resume their daily lives. It will be recommended to wear special hosiery that will be able to compress the vessel that was treated.

Once you have had the treatment done, you should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 48 hours. Tylenol may be used if needed.

Most doctors will recommend that you avoid direct exposure to sunlight, hot compresses, saunas, whirlpools and hot baths up to two days after treatment.

How Effective Is Sclerotherapy Treatment?

There have been many different types of studies that have been conducted that show that 50-80% of the veins that have been injected have disappeared by way of sclerotherapy. There is around 10% who do not respond to the injections at all. Different solutions can be tried, but there is no guarantee it will work.
In general, spider veins respond in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear at the same rate as before. If needed, you may return for injections.