Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection treatment used to eliminate small- to medium-sized varicose veins and spider veins. In a related treatment, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, the physician uses ultrasound guidance for placement of the injection.

You’ll lie on your stomach or back, and your leg will be cleaned with an antiseptic.

A small needle is used to inject a sclerosing solution or foam into the vein. Different solutions and different strengths of solution are used depending on the type and size of the vein.

After the injection, the cells that line the vein wall become irritated, and the vein closes. Over time, your body breaks down the damaged vein and absorbs it.

Photographs will be taken before treatment is initiated to monitor your progress. Your legs will look worse before they look better.

The procedure usually takes less than an hour and requires a limited recovery period. The injection process is repeated for each cluster of veins to be treated.

Your vein specialists will tell you when you can return to normal activities after each treatment, but you should be able to go back to work that day. For best results, follow the post-treatment instructions, including wearing compression stockings.

Bruising, vein swelling and small sores or raised red areas are common. Most people will notice a dramatic improvement about four weeks after their initial treatment. Subsequent treatments are usually scheduled every 6-8 weeks. The number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient.

Maximum improvement often takes several months and several treatment sessions. Periodic re-evaluations are encouraged so that any new spider veins or varicose veins that develop can be injected before they become too large or numerous.