Sclerotherapy

Women may be good candidates for sclerotherapy if they are in good health and are realistic about their expectations. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be asked to postpone sclerotherapy treatment. In most cases, spider veins that surface during pregnancy will disappear on their own within three months after the baby is born. Also, because it's not known how sclerosing solutions may affect breast milk, nursing mothers are usually advised to wait until after they have stopped breastfeeding. Sclerotherapy is just as effective for men who seek treatment.

Sclerotherapy may enhance appearance and increase self confidence, but it is unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session, veins may appear lighter in color and texture, but two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results.

One should be aware that this procedure treats only those varicose veins that are currently visible to the naked eye; it is not able to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future.

Before deciding to undergo sclerotherapy, think carefully about expectations and discuss them in detail with your doctor.

Serious medical complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified professional. Risks may include formation of blood clots in veins, severe inflammation, adverse allergic reactions to sclerosing solution and skin injury that may leave a small but permanent scar.

A common cosmetic inconsistency is pigmentation irregularity - brownish patches on the affected skin may take months to fade, sometimes it may take up to one year. Another problem that may occur is "telangiectatic matting," where in which fine reddish blood vessels appear around the treated area, requiring further injections.

A reduction in the risks associated with treatment may be achieved by choosing a doctor who has adequate training in sclerotherapy and is knowledgeable in the different types of sclerosing agents available. A qualified practitioner may help in selecting which types of sclerosing medications are most appropriate for specific needs.

A typical sclerotherapy procedure is relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes. After changing into the appropriate clothes, the patient’s legs may be photographed for reference. The procedure begins with the patient laying down, in preparation for the veins to be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Using one hand to stretch the skin taut, the doctor or nurse will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with precision.

Approximately one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein - anywhere from five to 40 injections per treatment session. Cotton balls and compression tape are used in each area of the leg as the procedure is completed.

During the procedure, the patient may listen to music, read, or just talk to the practitioner. Changes in positioning may be requested over the course of the treatment. As the procedure continues, the patient will feel small needle sticks and possibly a mild burning sensation. However, the needle used is so thin and the sclerosing solution is so mild that pain is usually minimal.

In addition to the compression tape applied during the procedure, tight-fitting support hose (compression stockings) may be prescribed to guard against blood clots and to aid in the healing process. The tape and cotton balls may be removed after 48 hours. However, one may be instructed to wear the support hose for 72 hours or more.

It is not uncommon to experience some cramping in the legs for the first day or two after the injections. This temporary problem usually doesn't require medication.

Patients should be aware that the treated veins may look worse before they begin to look better. When compression dressings are removed, bruising and reddish areas will be noticeable at the injection sites. The bruises may diminish within one month, in many cases, there may be some residual brownish pigmentation which may take up to a year to completely fade.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician