We are a well-established
clinic and our Docotr has succesfully treated many cases of leg veins using sclerotherapy.
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What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy
is a medical procedure used to treat small varicose veins and “spider
veins”. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally
sodium chloride) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the
lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the
blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades
from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure has been in use
since the 1930s to treat leg veins. How is sclerotherapy done?
A sodium chloride sterile solution into the blood vessel, using a
very fine needle. The number of varicose veins injected in one session
is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the
patient's overall medical condition.
Mild discomfort may occur, and a cramping sensation may be felt
for 1 to 2 minutes when larger veins are injected. The sclerotherapy
procedure itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes. How successful is sclerotherapy in treating varicose and spider veins?
Sclerotherapy works well for most patients with varicose veins.
It is estimated that as many as 50 percent to 80 percent of injected
varicose veins may be eliminated with each injection session. A few
(less than 10 percent) of the people who have sclerotherapy on their
varicose veins do not respond to the injections at all. In these
instances, different solutions or a different method, such as laser
therapy, may be tried.
In general, spider veins respond to sclerotherapy in 3 to 6
weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond
to the treatment, they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear
over time. If needed, you may return for injections. What you need to do before the procedure?
Prior to sclerotherapy, certain medications should be avoided. Tetracycline
or Minocin, both antibiotics, may possibly cause a staining of the skin
if taken 7 to 10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Ask your doctor
about other antibiotic medications you may take, or ask for safe
guidelines for discontinuing these medications. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen
(i.e. Nurofen) or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours
before and after sclerotherapy, because these medications may interfere
with the action of the sclerosing agent. Ask your doctor for specific guidelines before discontinuing any medication prior to sclerotherapy. No lotion is
to be applied to the legs before or after sclerotherapy. It is
recommended that you bring a pair of shorts to wear during the varicose
vein treatment procedure. If you have compression hosiery
from previous treatments, please bring them with you so we can make
sure they will provide adequate support after the sclerotherapy
procedure. What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?
Certain side effects may be experienced after sclerotherapy.
Larger injected varicose veins may become lumpy and hard for several
months before resolving. Raised red areas may appear at the injection
sites and should disappear within a few days. Brown lines or spots on
the skin may be noted at the site of the injection, possibly caused by
a form of iron that escapes from the injected veins. In most cases,
they disappear within 3 to 6 months, but can be permanent about 5
percent of the time. Bruising may occur around the injection site and
can last several days or weeks.
Other side effects rarely develop after sclerotherapy. If you
have any of these side effects, please contact us immediately: · Inflammation within five inches of the groin · Sudden onset of a swollen leg · Formation of small ulcers at the injection site · Red streaking, especially in the groin area · Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent may occur at the time of the injection and are rarely serious. Call us with any concerns or questions you may have after the sclerotherapy procedure. What happens after the treatment?
After the treatment you will be able to drive yourself home. You
may resume your regular activities and are encouraged to walk. You will
be instructed to wear support hosiery or compression wraps to
"compress" the treated vessels. Support stockings purchased from a
department store may not be adequate if a heavy compression stocking is
prescribed. After the procedure, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 48 hours.
Do not take hot baths or sit in a whirlpool or sauna, nor apply
hot compresses or any form of heat to the injected areas for 48 hours
after treatment. In addition, avoid direct exposure to sunlight (sun
bathing and tanning beds)jogging, high-impact aerobics and swimming for
7 to 10 days after the procedure.
Showers are permitted, but the water should be cooler than usual.
The injection sites may be washed with a mild soap and lukewarm water. How will I know if I am a candidate for sclerotherapy?
Prior to the procedure, you will have an initial consultation and
will be advised if you if you are suitable for sclerotherapy. You are
not eligible for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or
are bedridden. You must wait at least three months after birth before
you can be considered for this procedure. You can have sclerotherapy if
you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past,
your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will
depend on the extremity and the reason for the clot. |
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