What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure to remove unwanted spider veins or varicose veins. Sclerotherapy works by injecting a small volume of irritant into a vein, ultimately causing it to close up and disappear over time, usually in 2-6 weeks. The procedure can treat small yet visible veins on the legs and on other areas of the body, known as spider veins.
Spider veins usually branch out to form a web like appearance, and are a cosmetic concern for some patients. Alternately, ultrasound guidance can be used for injection of medium size deeper veins, which cannot easily be seen on the skin surface, known as varicose veins. Varicose veins produce symptoms such as pain or swelling. Sclerotherapy can eliminate symptoms associated with varicose veins. Whether you’re treating varicose veins or spider veins, the procedure is quick and safe. Patients can return to normal activities the same day, we do not recommend them to do intense workout or activities.
The most common areas for the Sclerotherapy treatment
The most common areas for the development of varicose veins are legs and feet. The damaged veins are usually visible, raised, swollen; can cause discoloration, cramping, pain, itching in the particular areas as well.
Spider veins are relatively smaller in size, closer to the surface of the skin. Those are mostly visible and appear as red, purple in color.
Sclerotherapy can be used on most areas of the body where veins are present.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
How to prepare for Sclerotherapy
Possible complications and Side Effects of the Sclerotherapy
Overall Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and an efficient procedure with low incidence of complications.
The most common mild side effects includes:
More severe side effects includes:
At FSA Vein, our vein specialist Dr. Yalamanchili monitors and assesses our patient for risk of Vein thrombosis as well as tissue necrosis very closely. We stay in constant touch with our patients after the sclerotherapy treatment to increase the effectiveness of the procedure and manage any potential side effects.
Post-operative - What to expect after Sclerotherapy treatment?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure to remove unwanted spider veins or varicose veins. Sclerotherapy works by injecting a small volume of irritant into a vein, ultimately causing it to close up and disappear over time, usually in 2-6 weeks. The procedure can treat small yet visible veins on the legs and on other areas of the body, known as spider veins.
Spider veins usually branch out to form a web like appearance, and are a cosmetic concern for some patients. Alternately, ultrasound guidance can be used for injection of medium size deeper veins, which cannot easily be seen on the skin surface, known as varicose veins. Varicose veins produce symptoms such as pain or swelling. Sclerotherapy can eliminate symptoms associated with varicose veins. Whether you’re treating varicose veins or spider veins, the procedure is quick and safe. Patients can return to normal activities the same day, we do not recommend them to do intense workout or activities.
The most common areas for the Sclerotherapy treatment
The most common areas for the development of varicose veins are legs and feet. The damaged veins are usually visible, raised, swollen; can cause discoloration, cramping, pain, itching in the particular areas as well.
Spider veins are relatively smaller in size, closer to the surface of the skin. Those are mostly visible and appear as red, purple in color.
Sclerotherapy can be used on most areas of the body where veins are present.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
- Help ease the symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins
- Permanent results in treated area
- Quick and safe treatment
- Mild pain level
- No laser required
- Removes the smaller beginning varicose veins
How to prepare for Sclerotherapy
- We start with one on one consultation that includes a physical check and detailed medical history to determine if this procedure is right for you.
- We also review the patient's medication list with attention to Hormonal replacement therapy, Aspirin, Vitamin E, Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory, steroid and any Herbal medication use.
- We recommend our patients to avoid using any Anti Inflammatory medications like Advil (Ibuprofen), and Aspirin ( Bufferin) 5 days before the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising or bleeding.
- We recommend to avoid applying any kind of lotion or shaving before sclerotherapy to minimize risk of pigmentation and local irritation.
- Dr. Yalamanchili reviews with our patient the number of sessions that may be required and the duration of treatment. We also discuss any potential side effects and any limitation in activity that may be necessary after each session.
- Symptomatic improvement usually occurs quickly after sclerotherapy, whereas cosmetic improvement may be more gradual. Our doctors and nurses are always available to answer any questions or concerns the patient may have before signing the informed consent prior to commencing treatment.
Possible complications and Side Effects of the Sclerotherapy
Overall Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and an efficient procedure with low incidence of complications.
The most common mild side effects includes:
- Bruising - This side effect is transient and clears with time. Most patients recover from this in less than 4 weeks.
- Hyperpigmentation of surrounding tissue - This is transient as well and only seen in large vessel sclerotherapy. This is rarely seen in small vessel sclerotherapy. Regular use of compression garments post therapy reduces the incidences of Hyperpigmentation.
- Swelling (Edema) - This is rare, temporary and it fades away with compression garment use.
- Raised red areas around the site of injection and inflammation which can cause Mild discomfort. This can be easily treated with some Motrin or Aleve over the counter.
More severe side effects includes:
- Allergic reactions include Hives (Urticaria) and possible Anaphylaxis. This incidence chance is very low and only happens in 0.3% of the patients.
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Blood clot formation in the treated vein. This is something that is closely monitored in the follow up visits post procedure.
- Tissue Necrosis- Brown lines or spots around the treatment area.
At FSA Vein, our vein specialist Dr. Yalamanchili monitors and assesses our patient for risk of Vein thrombosis as well as tissue necrosis very closely. We stay in constant touch with our patients after the sclerotherapy treatment to increase the effectiveness of the procedure and manage any potential side effects.
Post-operative - What to expect after Sclerotherapy treatment?
- Most patients resume with their daily routine the very next day after the treatment.
- After the first 24 hours of Sclerotherapy, patients are asked to wear compression stocking or socks during daytime and remove them before sleeping. Use of compression stockings reduces the risk of edema, pigmentation of skin and clot formation.
- Patients may take Tylenol Over the counter for any pain or mild discomfort.
- Patients should avoid any prolonged direct sunlight exposure, use of saunas, swimming pool and the beach after the first 2 days after the treatment.
- Patients are asked to stay active and walk around to minimize the risk of clot. However, any heavy weight lifting or lower extremity aggressive workout is recommended to avoid for 4 weeks after the treatment.
- In rare instances patients may be advised to not go on long hour flights for several days.