Benefits of Sclerothearpy
- Minimally invasive, non-surgical
- High success rate, up to 80% closure with each treatment
- Office-based procedure
- No general anesthesia
- No downtime
- Fewer side effects than traditional vein “stripping”
Sclerotherapy
Schedule A Free ScreeningSclerotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for problem veins, and for good reason. It can address both medical concerns, like discomfort and swelling, as well as cosmetic issues like spider veins. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we have helped many patients get good results with sclerotherapy and can determine if it is suitable for you. Call us at 888-782-8346 to learn more.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed in-office that effectively treats varicose veins and spider veins. It’s often considered the treatment of choice for varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to shrink and collapse abnormal veins by injecting an FDA-approved chemical agent into the vein that destroys the vein.
Physicians Vein Clinics
Sclerotherapy Effectiveness
You can expect to see the results for small varicose and spider veins in 3 to 6 weeks. Larger veins may require three to four months and multiple sessions might be needed. Once your problematic veins are treated, they won’t come back. However, new veins may appear over time. Our vein specialists recommend you follow conservative therapy to protect and maintain your leg health. At home measures include:
- Wearing compression stockings when feasible
- Follow a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Exercising frequency
- Elevating your legs at the end of the day
Procedure
The procedure is done by a board-certified vein specialist and is completed within 15 to 30 minutes. The vein provider uses a very fine needle to inject the sclerosant into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel and causes it to collapse.
Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue and fades away. Depending on the size and location of the treated veins, the number of veins injected in one session will vary.
Up to 80% of treated veins will be eliminated with each sclerotherapy session. Several sessions are sometimes required to eliminate the majority of veins.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
- Bring your compression stockings with you for each appointment.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
- Avoid using lotions on your legs the day of your sclerotherapy session.
- Drink 64oz of water and avoid alcohol the day prior to your sclerotherapy session.
- Drink 32oz of water and avoid caffeine/coffee the day of your sclerotherapy session.
- Report any medication, allergies, or changes in your medical condition before your session.
Fig. 1: A fine needle is inserted directly into the affected vein. Fig. 2: A specialized solution is injected, targeting the vein walls. Fig. 3: The solution causes the vein walls to bond together and seal closed.
Post-Treatment Instructions:
- After sclerotherapy a compression stocking will be applied. After walking for 10-20 minutes, you will be able to drive yourself home.
- You will be instructed to wear compression stockings continuously for 2 days (sleep in them for 2 nights). Thereafter, you will put your stockings on in the morning and take them off at night for 5 additional days. 7 days of stockings TOTAL. You don’t need wear them while showering.
- You may resume most of your regular activities immediately, excluding running, jumping and other strenuous activities that involve your core muscle group (torso area). Do not lift more than 40 pounds for 1 week. You may resume normal workouts after 1 week.
- Avoid air travel for 1 week following a sclerotherapy session.
- Avoid hot tubs, baths, lakes or swimming pools for 1 week.
- Walk at least 30-60 minutes per day following the procedure.
- Use Ibuprofen (up to 600mg 3 times within a 24-hour period) or Tylenol (up to 1000mg 3 times within a 24-hour period) for discomfort.
What to expect after Medical Sclerotherapy
- Expect bruising, which can be extensive. This is temporary and resolves gradually over several weeks.
- Soreness or tenderness at injection sites is normal for 1-2 days. You may experience a stinging or burning sensation that lasts minutes to hours directly following the procedure. This is a sign that the medication is working in the vein. Walking and wearing compression stockings are recommended.
- One or more areas of pain, redness and swelling may occur and usually are delayed by several days to weeks after the procedure. Blood can become trapped in closing veins as they heal and this can cause tender, sometimes lumpy areas in treated veins. If you develop tender spots you may want to begin taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen). NSAIDs tend to be more effective at reducing the inflammation that causes pain. Always check with your primary care provider before taking any new medication. Consult the medication packaging instructions regarding maximum dosing or ask your pharmacist. Using this medication daily for 1-2 weeks can help reduce inflammation and speed your recovery even if it does not take the pain away entirely. Expect this pain to improve gradually over several weeks. Continue to wear your compression stockings during the day and continue walking a minimum of 40 min throughout the day as long as you are having discomfort. Call the office for an appointment if you are having significant pain or extreme discomfort. An US evaluation may be recommended to verify the source of your pain and guide your treatment.
- Lasting numbness in the treatment area is not uncommon. This gradually improves over weeks to months.
- Brown, tan or yellow staining of the skin (hyperpigmentation) may occur over the treated vein as it is being absorbed. This will lighten gradually over 6-24 months.
- Generally, you will notice improvement in your symptoms over several weeks.
- Optimal cosmetic improvement generally takes longer. Vein disease is chronic and progressive. New veins will become unhealthy over time expect to follow up with your vein specialists at Physicians Vein Clinics.
Find a Vein Clinic Near You
Many of our patients have deep veins that are not visible to the naked eye. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms, it is important that you schedule a free screening with one of our vein physicians. Physicians Vein Clinics employs state-of-the-art technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of vein problems, complemented with compassionate patient care, which results in positive outcomes. Schedule an initial screening with us. We look forward to helping you!
FAQs About Sclerotherapy
When will I see my results?
You can expect to see the results for small varicose and spider veins in 3 to 6 weeks. Larger veins may require three to four months, and multiple sessions might be needed. Once your problematic veins are treated, they won’t come back. However, new veins may appear over time. Our vein specialists recommend you follow conservative therapy to protect and maintain your leg health. At-home measures include:
- Wearing compression stockings when feasible
- Follow a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Exercising frequency
- Elevating your legs at the end of the day
I have noticed areas of swelling in my treated leg. Is this normal?
Swelling can occur over treated veins, which is normal and a sign of successful treatment. Therefore, it is common to notice multiple areas of swelling after treatment. You may also notice lumpiness and tenderness in the areas of swelling. Call the clinic if you notice generalized swelling of the leg, calf, ankle and/ or foot after treatment, particularly if it is more pronounced in one leg compared to the other.
I have a lot of bruising on my legs, is this normal?
You can expect significant bruising after vein procedures. This resolves slowly over 4-6 weeks. You may try an over-the-counter bruise remedy such as Arnica from your local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist any questions you may have regarding this medication.
When can I remove bandages applied during my procedure?
You may remove any bandages on the day following your procedure or anytime thereafter.
When should I call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. Seek immediate medical attention if you faint or pass out, have difficulty breathing or can’t catch your breath, experience sudden chest pain, or cough up blood.
Call the clinic if you notice any of the following after your procedure: sores or wounds at the injection site, signs of a possible deep blood clot such as pain or generalized swelling in the leg, calf, or ankle, vision or balance issues, pain that doesn’t resolve with medication or signs of infection including pus draining from the injection area or redness and pain around the injection site.