What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to eliminate varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a small amount of a sclerosing agent into the affected veins using a tiny needle. This procedure is commonly used for leg vein removal, particularly for spider veins, and is effective for both cosmetic improvements and symptom relief.

How It Works

Sclerotherapy’s method of treatment requires a series of treatments where a tiny needle injects a small amount of sclerosing agent into the veins that causes them to scar and collapse, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.

 

After the treatment is performed, the veins tend to fade within a few weeks, but occasionally it may take up to four weeks to see the full results. For some patients, several treatments may be necessary.

Sclerotherapy treatment in a woman's legs

FAQs

Why choose sclerotherapy for spider veins?

  • It is considered the treatment of choice for spider leg veins
  • The treatment is minimally invasive
  • The procedure can also improve related symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning and night cramps

Does sclerotherapy help with pain from varicose veins?

Yes, sclerotherapy can help relieve pain, aching, or burning sensations caused by varicose veins, in addition to improving their appearance.

What are the potential side effects of sclerotherapy?

The potential side effects of sclerotherapy may include bruising, redness, darkened skin, sores, and the appearance of tiny red blood vessels. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, resolving over time as the veins heal.

How long does it take?

A typical treatment session may last up to 30 minutes and will consist of microinjections. If there are many veins being treated, the procedure may take longer.

When will I see results?

Over 2-4 weeks, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades, eventually becoming virtually unnoticeable or invisible.

How long will the results last?

Spider veins may recur or a new spider vein may appear in the same area as the removed vein.

Does it hurt?

There is a little sting associated with each injection. The burning sensation lasts few seconds. Most do not require anesthesia and the majority of patients claim that the procedure is much less painful than what they anticipated.

Is there any harm in removing spider veins?

Spider veins have no function and removing them does no harm. The only reason they are removed is for cosmetic reasons.

What can I expect following the treatment?

After injection, your vein may look swollen or red, which indicates that the solution is working. Each injection site will be pressed with gauze or other compression agents.

How quickly will I recover?

There is some mild pain and the injected site will appear bruised and swollen for a few days. After the first 2 days, most patients can resume to normal activities.

Before and After

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