Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for small (spider veins) and medium size (reticular) veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a solution (called a sclersant) that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. Once this happens, surface veins are no longer visible. Depending on the size and location of the veins, different types and strengths of sclerosants are used. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage helping to prevent further complications.In most cases, the solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. This solution dissolves the vein and the results are usually immediate. The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.
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You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated you may have one or several injections per session. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. The procedure is performed in our office and usually causes only minimal discomfort. Bruising and pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy but typically disappears within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades, it can last for several months.
Possible complications of sclerotherapy include inadvertent intra-arterial injection, skin ulceration, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), telangiectatic matting (blush spots), superficial phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), and allergic reaction. Scarring and other complications are rare.