Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy ideal for small varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) in the legs, a solution is injected directly into the vein. The solution stimulates the vein wall to collapse and close over time. The body naturally absorbs the vein and heals the area. Patients receiving sclerotherapy should not be pregnant or nursing.
All patients will receive a vein consultation to determine their unique plan of care. During the consult, both legs will be examined with an ultrasound.
If the veins being treated are purely cosmetic, the procedure can take as little as 15 minutes. In this instance, a special vein light is held against the skin to help illuminate the veins and guide the practitioner. Patients with deeper vein issues can be treated using a combination of vein light or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment(link) and can take closer to an hour.
During the procedure, a tiny needle is injected into multiple sections of the vein to ensure all areas are treated.
A full-leg compression stocking will need to be worn for 36 hours (including night) directly after the procedure and patients are asked not to shower or submerge their legs during this time. The stocking will need to worn two weeks after the procedure during the day. No heavy lifting (over 10-15lbs) first week. Patients should ensure there is no sun exposure or tanning for up to six weeks following the procedure. Occasionally bumps can appear at the injection sites but are not serious and will go away on their own.