Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy was brought to the US from Europe over 40 years ago and can be used to treat both varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy is most commonly used for the treatment of small veins, such as spider veins. In sclerotherapy, a liquid, Sotradecol®, is injected with a tiny needle into the vein. This solution causes inflammation of the vein walls and causes the vein walls to stick to one another, collapsing the walls together.
It is very common for the vein to appear darker and more visible immediately after the injection session. Over a period of several weeks, the intensity of the coloration fades as does the vein itself.
You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated, you may have one to many injections per session.
Generally, patients may return to normal activities. However, vigorous exercising, aerobics and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3-5 days. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins.
The procedure, performed in our office, usually causes only minimal discomfort. Bruising and pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy. Bruising typically disappears within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades, it can last for several months. Spider veins typically fade completely, while smaller varicose veins may disappear leaving a small palpable scar-like sensation deeper in the tissue. Scarring and other complications are rare.
