Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that involves injecting a solution into a vein to cause it to collapse and close. This is done to treat varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed in the doctor’s office.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing agent, such as sodium tetradecyl sulfate or polidocanol, into the affected vein using a fine needle. The sclerosing agent irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to collapse, seal, and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. This results in the disappearance of the treated vein, improving the skin’s appearance and alleviating any discomfort associated with the condition.
There are two main types of sclerotherapy:
- Foam sclerotherapy: This is the most common type of sclerotherapy. A foam is created by mixing a sclerosant with air or a gas. The foam is then injected into the vein.
- Liquid sclerotherapy: This is less common than foam sclerotherapy. A liquid sclerosant is injected directly into the vein.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy:
- Effective Vein Treatment: Sclerotherapy is a proven and effective method for treating spider veins and small varicose veins, offering cosmetic improvement and symptom relief.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, with little to no downtime required, allowing clients to return to their daily activities quickly.
- Long-lasting Results: Sclerotherapy provides long-lasting results, with treated veins typically not reappearing. However, it is important to note that the procedure does not prevent the formation of new spider or varicose veins.
- Improved Comfort: For clients experiencing discomfort or heaviness due to varicose veins, sclerotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms by eliminating the problematic veins.
Before your sclerotherapy procedure, you will need to:
- Stop taking aspirin or other blood thinners for at least a week before your procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before your procedure.
- Shave the area where the veins will be injected.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
What to expect during sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a brief procedure that usually takes about 30 minutes. The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the veins will be injected. The doctor will then inject the sclerosant into the vein. You may feel some mild discomfort during the injection.