Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy vericose and spider vein treatment

Spider veins and varicose veins are caused by abnormal blood flow and weakening of the blood vessel wall in the affected veins. Any condition or activity that puts pressure on the veins-- such as gaining weight, and sitting or standing for prolong periods, can contribute to their development.

The most common treatment for spider veins and varicose veins is Sclerotherapy. During treatment, a saline or chemical solution is injected into the vein, causing the vein to collapse and disappear from view. Treatment usually takes 45 minutes and the number of injections varies, depending on the extent of damage. Multiple treatments may be necessary for optimal clearance. Our Lumenis Quantem SR Therapy is often used in conjunction with Sclerotherapy for the best results.

Although Sclerotherapy treatment does not prevent the development of "new" spider veins, the removal of existing veins can dramatically improve the appearance of the affected area.

If you are considering Sclerotherapy vein treatment, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section below which will provide you with a good introduction to the treatment.

For more detailed information about how this procedure may benefit you, we invite you to call our office to schedule a Complimentary Diagnostic Vein Screening Evaluation. Easy online Complimentary Consultation appointments.

  • What is sclerotherapy ?
    Sclerotherapy is treatment for veins in which a sclerosing solution is injected into the veins causing them to seal shut. Sclerotherapy is the primary solution used at Forever Young MedSpa and is an FDA approved sclerosing agent in the US. The solution is injected into both the feeder veins and the spider veins.
  • Who should consider Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment ?
    Men and women of any age can benefit from sclerotherapy treatment. Spider veins, which are small clusters of thin veins just under the surface of the skin, can appear and be treated at any age. Most commonly, people in their late 20's and beyond seek treatment for this condition.
  • What can I expect during a Sclerotherapy treatment ?
    A typical sclerotherapy treatment lasts about 15 to 45 minutes and is relatively pain free. At the beginning of your treatment, your nurse will explain the procedure to you and the type of results you can expect. She will take photographs of your legs before treatment for your medical files. Then you will be asked to lay on the examination table and the skin over the spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. While pulling the skin over the veins taut, your nurse will inject a saline or chemical solution into the vein, which will cause the vein to collapse and disappear from view.

    During the treatment, you may feel slight needle pricks and a mild sensation as the solution is injected into the vein. However, this sensation is relatively mild as the needle is so thin and the solution is so diluted that the pain is usually inconsequential. Once the treatment is complete, your nurse will apply a cotton ball and compression tape to the treatment area. You will be asked to wear tight-fitting compression hose for several days following treatment. The compression hose will help speed the healing process.

    After each treatment, the veins will continue to lighten. Generally, two to three treatments are required to achieve the desired results.
  • What are the complications of sclerotherapy ?
    The most common complication is a minor skin irritation or itching at the injection site from the sclerosing agent. As with any injection, there is always a risk of infection or allergic reaction which are both extremely rare. Hyperpigmentation or staining of the skin called hemosiderin staining can occor but goes away without further treatment. Rarely skin ulceration may occur with sclerotherapy.
  • How long will it take to recover from Sclerotherapy ?
    Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, gentle procedure with virtually no down time. Most people are able to return to work and resume most activities immediately following treatment. You will be asked to wear compression hose for several days following the procedure. The compression hose help protect again blood clots and speed the healing process.

    In the days following treatment, veins may actually appear darker and more prominent than they did before the injection. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. As your body continues to heal, the veins will begin to lighten. Generally two or more sessions, at least one month apart, are needed to achieve the desired results.
  • Will I experience any discomfort during the Sclerotherapy ?
    During the treatment, you may feel slight needle pricks and a mild sensation as the solution is injected into the vein. However, this sensation is relatively mild as the needle is so thin and the solution is so diluted that the pain is usually inconsequential.
  • What type of results can I expect ?
    The results of sclerotherapy vary from person to person. Generally, treated veins will at first darken and then lighten as the healing process continues. The healing process can take anywhere from two weeks to a month. After subsequent treatments veins will appear less visible or fade away completely. Depending on the severity of the your veins, multiple treatments, scheduled at least one month apart, may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
  • What happens to the sclerosed "feeder" veins? Don't I need those veins ?
    You have hundreds of healthy veins in your legs that have already taken over the functions of the unhealthy veins that we sclerose. We treat only the veins that have dilated and are creating spider veins or are painful. These dilated veins are not functioning properly and are actually refluxing or flowing in the wrong direction.
  • Are there any alternative treatments for spider veins ?
    Yes. A laser treatment called Lumenis Quantem Laser Therapy has proven effective for spider vein removal. In some cases, Sclerotherapy vein treatment may be performed in conjunction with the Lumenis Quantem Laser Therapy for optimal results.
  • Will my spider veins come back ?
    It is natural during the course of treatment for some "new" spider veins to grow. Don't be discouraged, for some individuals this is an inevitable part of the treatment process. We treat them with sclerotherapy and IPL or laser therapy. Since we focus on eliminiating the "feeder veins" later recurrences of spider veins are minimized. Some individuals may need occasional "touch up" treatments 2-5 years after completion of their initial sclerotherapy.
  • How many treatments does it take for my spider veins to go away ?
    Spider vein treatment is a process. Spider veins do not appear overnight and they do not go away overnight unfortunately. The average person needs between 3-6, 30 minute treatments to get the cosmetic results you desire. Treatments can be scheduled as soon as 3 weeks apart. We recommend 3-6 weeks between treatments.