Sclerotherapy Treatments
Sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment option for spider, varicose, small- or medium-sized veins. It involves injecting a solution into the vein that irritates the inner surface of the vein, causing it to close off. We use several sclerotherapy agents, including Polidocanol and Sotradecol, and vary the strengths and solutions for effectiveness on each individual patient based on vein size and other factors. Sometimes multiple sclerotherapy sessions are needed, due to the extent of involved veins. We recommend re-evaluation every one to three years, as vein disease can recur.
Liquid Sclerotherapy
Liquid Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective way to treat surface veins like spider veins. Because spider veins are often asymptomatic, they are usually treated for cosmetic purposes only.
When liquid sclerosant is injected into a vein through a fine needle, the clear sclerosant completely displaces the blood in the vein, causing the vein to vanish. The sclerosant then irritates the vein wall. When the blood flows back into the vein, it will clot. The spider vein will disappear over time as your body absorbs it. This process usually takes between 4-12 weeks. Typically the veins look worse before they look better
Compression is applied with compression stockings to keep the vein closed after treatment and to limit the amount of blood that forms clots inside the collapsed vessel. Over subsequent weeks, the vein turns into scar tissue and the veins disappear. Draining some of the trapped clot within the spider vein with a small needle on a follow-up visit can speed the healing process.
Foam Sclerotherapy and Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerosant looks a bit like shaving cream, and it re-liquifies after a few minutes. When the foam is injected into a vein, it displaces the blood and stays in contact with the inner lining of the vessel for a longer period of time than liquid sclerosants. Foam is typically stronger than liquid sclerosant and more useful in closing small- to medium-sized veins.
Unsightly, bulging, discolored veins are affected within seconds of the injection and typically will close permanently as a result. The veins are absorbed by the body and disappear over time. Immediately after treatment, you will be fitted with a compression bandage to keep the walls of the vein close together for optimal treatment. After about two hours, you can change into graduated pressure stockings, which should be worn for about two weeks.
