Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat unsightly veins. These veins are treated by injecting a solution directly into the dilated veins, causing irritation and eventual clotting and collapsing of the vein. Sclerotherapy has been used on patients across the world since the 1930s and remains the primary effective treatment for spider veins.
Sclerotherapy Procedure
Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor's office and only takes about 15 minutes. No anesthesia is needed for this quick and simple procedure, and most patients experience only minimal pain and a mild burning sensation. The skin is cleansed with an antiseptic solution and a sclerosing agent is then injected into the affected veins with a very fine needle.
The number of injections made during each session depends on the number and length of the dilated veins. Typically, one injection is made for every inch of spider vein.
Recovery and Results After Sclerotherapy
Patients can return home shortly after sclerotherapy, and can return to work and other normal activities the same day. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for two days. Compression and support bandages may need to be worn for a few days after the procedure, and some patients may experience mild bruising and pigmentation after sclerotherapy. These side effects usually subside on their own after a few days.
Since bruising may occur, it may be a few weeks before the true results of sclerotherapy are visible. Results are usually fully visible after 3 to 6 weeks. It is reported that up to 70 percent of damaged veins can be eliminated with this procedure.