Sclerotherapy

Overview

It is effective for the surgical treatment for large varicose or spider veins. It is also a popular treatment option for small varicose. A collapsed vein reintegrates into local tissue and disappears after fading. Following sclerotherapy, treated veins fade within a week – though some patients may require at least three months to see complete effects of treatment.

How does Sclerotherapy work?

Typically, sclerotherapy uses salt solutions injected through very fine needles directly in the vein. It is common to experience pain in the upper legs for up to two minutes, particularly during the injection, in the vein. This procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The number of vein injection sessions depends upon the location and size of the veins and on the medical condition of the patient. Sclerotherapy is performed by dermatological or surgical specialists and requires no aerobic exercise until several days after the procedure.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting sclerotizing fluid to blood vessels and causes them to expand. It is helpful for varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy is not a non-surgical treatment. It reduces circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids reducing the size of the vessels.

What happens after sclerotherapy?

After a sclerectomy you can drive home and return to your normal day activities. Walks are recommended. In order to reduce the pressure, you must use a support hosiery. If you have used compression hosiers before, we recommend that you take them along so that you have an adequate amount of pressure. Store support stockings may not suffice when you need to buy heavy compression stock. The physician’s office will tell you where to buy heavy compression stockings. Tylenol is recommended for use when required.

What are the limitations of Sclerotherapy?

Large varicose or venous veins are more resistant than small veins to surgical treatments. Some sclerotherapy patients don ‘t respond to injections. In such circumstances, different treatment options or different approaches are possible including cutaneous laser therapy. Phlebectomy may be performed using a larger-scale medical approach, with additional procedures such as endovenous catheter removal using a radiofrequency or laser.

What you can expect?

Sclerotherapy can be conducted in any doctor’s office but requires no pain medications. A procedure usually takes about an hour.

Is sclerotherapy safe for varicose veins?

Sclerotherapies are typically minor, noninvasive procedures for treating varicose veins or hemorrhoids. The treatment involves injecting drugs into veins that cause the vein to swell. It can require multiple treatments.

How long does it take to recover from sclerotherapy?

How long does it take to recover from surgery? Sclerotherapy patients can go back into normal activities when surgery has completed. When pain appears, it usually subsides quickly. Mild bruising can occur, which can be completely healed within a couple of weeks.