Sclerotherapy
This minimally invasive procedure is the most common treatment for spider veins, larger reticular veins and smaller varicose veins in the legs. (Larger varicose veins often require the attention of a vascular surgeon and more aggressive management, such as with endovenous laser treatment — EVLT.)
Sclerotherapy involves using a very small needle to inject a medicated solution directly into the vein, which irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to close and eventually collapse. Over the course of weeks to months, the vein is gradually reabsorbed by the body and either completely disappears or becomes much less visible. Once a diseased vein is eliminated, circulation is improved and often relieves the feeling of heaviness, aching and fatigue in the leg.
Before starting the procedure, Dr. Hermant will clean the area to be treated and then use her hands to stretch out the skin around the injection site. After she finishes injecting, she will apply cotton balls with tape to the treated areas and they will be left on for one to two hours in order to keep blood out of the treated vein and to disperse the solution. The number of injections depends on the number of veins treated.
Dr. Hermant will recommend that you wear compression socks or stockings post treatment. The clinic sells Sigvaris graduated compression socks and hosiery. The doctor will recommend the correct size and compression strength for you.
During a consultation prior to treatment, Dr. Hermant will determine if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy.
FAQ
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The veins that are successfully treated will not grow back, but new veins may appear.
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About 30 to 45 minutes.
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Although sclerotherapy is generally well tolerated, you may feel a stinging or cramping sensation when the solution is injected into the vein. However, any discomfort should quickly subside. At your request, Dr. Hermant can apply a topical numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment for additional comfort.
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Don’t shave your legs or apply lotion on them prior to treatment or until the legs have healed after treatment. Don’t take aspirin, Advil or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours prior as they may interfere with the medicated treatment solution or cause increased bruising. Wear comfortable, loose clothing to the appointment.
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We recommend walking for 30 minutes immediately after treatment to promote blood circulation and help prevent clotting. Wearing compression socks for about two weeks after the procedure will maintain pressure on the treated veins. Also avoid sun exposure on the treated area for two weeks, after which point wear a high-protection broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Don’t take aspirin, Advil or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours. Avoid short-haul flights for two weeks and long-haul flights for three weeks post treatment.
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Sclerotherapy doesn’t usually require any downtime, but avoid strenuous exercise for seven to ten days afterward. Note that potential side effects may include bruising, raised red areas and brown spots at the site of needle insertion. Dr. Hermant will discuss this with you during the consultation.
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Smaller veins usually fade away faster than larger ones. This is a gradual process, with results for spider and smaller reticular or varicose veins usually disappearing within three to six weeks.
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Depending on the type and severity of the veins to be treated, three to five sessions (spaced about four weeks apart) may be necessary. Dr. Hermant will assess your progress to help determine the total sessions required.
Larger veins are treated first and require a few needles using a stronger solution. Smaller spider veins may require many points of injection using a milder solution.
