Sclerotherapy
WHAT VEINS CAN BE TREATED WITH VISUAL SCLEROTHERAPY?
Sclerotherapy is a versatile treatment option for unwanted veins and can treat a variety of vein types, including:
Green or blue reticular veins- Pink or red telangiectasias (spider veins)
- Purple telangiectasias (spider veins)
- Leg veins
- Arm and hand veins
- Chest, breast and back veins
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SCLEROTHERAPY?
- Green or blue reticular veins
- Pink or red telangiectasias (spider veins)
- Purple telangiectasias (spider veins)
- Leg veins
- Arm and hand veins
- Chest, breast and back veins
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY SCLEROTHERAPY CONSULTATION?
The first step in evaluating varicose, spider veins or symptoms suggestive of venous insufficiency is to schedule a medical consultation or free screening with Tennessee Vein Center. Once you and your medical history have been evaluated, a tailored treatment plan will be provided.
For some patients, just visual sclerotherapy is needed, while others may require ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy in conjunction with endovenous thermal ablation treatment. Most insurers require a documented trial of conservative treatment before approving the thermal ablation procedure. As part of the evaluation, you will be measured for or prescribed a medical-grade compression hose.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TREATMENT?
Before your procedure, you should avoid taking blood-thinning medications as well as aspirin and ibuprofen for about one week. Avoid smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol in the two days leading up to your treatment, and do not tan or use self-tanning lotions in the treatment area.
On the day of your procedure, you should:
- Shower and use antibacterial soap to wash your legs
- Avoid shaving and the use of lotion on your legs
- Wear or bring a pair of loose-fitting shorts (we can provide disposable shorts if needed)
- Bring your compression hose
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Remember it is fine to eat on the day of your sclerotherapy procedure
– You may want to avoid eating a heavy meal just prior to treatment
– You may want to consider having a light snack before treatment starts if it has been several hours since you last ate
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY VISUAL SCLEROTHERAPY PROCEDURE?
Pre-treatment photographs are done to document your before and after sclerotherapy results. Treatment sessions take approximately 30 minutes, making this a great “lunch-time treatment” option.
At the beginning of your treatment, we’ll have you lie down with your legs slightly elevated. The area will be cleansed and sterilized, and a topical anesthetic may be used for your comfort.
Dr. Campbell will carefully inject the sclerosant solution into the target blood vessels using a fine needle. The solution will cause the walls of the vein to become tacky and stick together, causing the vein to close.
HOW MANY INJECTIONS WILL I NEED FOR EACH SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT?
Some small veins may need just one injection to be treated, but thicker and longer veins may need multiple sclerotherapy injections. During your personal consultation, we will be able to give you an idea of how many injections you will need based on the size and location of your affected veins.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
The entire sclerotherapy treatment process can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Some treatments may take 30 minutes. Overall, patients generally spend less than an hour at our office from start to finish.
WHAT IS THE VISUAL SCLEROTHERAPY RECOVERY PROCESS LIKE?
WEAR YOUR COMPRESSION HOSE
Immediately after your visual sclerotherapy injections, we will let your legs rest for five minutes prior to having you put on your compression hose. It is important for you to wear your medical-grade compression hose for five to seven days after sclerotherapy. Compression hosiery helps your circulation and serves to reduce swelling, inflammation and complications while also helping to speed healing.
WALK REGULARLY
During this healing process, walking and normal daily activities are strongly encouraged. This light movement aids in circulation to prevent blood clots and encourages healing.
EXPECT SOME MANAGEABLE BRUISING AND SORENESS
Bruising, minor soreness, redness and tenderness along the course of the treated vein(s) are common. We recommend Arnicare® Gel or Cream to help reduce the bruising. If needed, the mild discomfort can be relieved by an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Some patients also develop temporary small skin sores and raised red areas. These should resolve within a few days to weeks.
NO DOWNTIME IS NEEDED, BUT TAKE IT EASY INITIALLY
You can resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure, but you should avoid extremely strenuous activities for a few days.
WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS OF MY SCLEROTHERAPY?
Small veins, such as spider veins, will disappear in about three to six weeks after your treatment. Larger veins like varicose veins may take three to four months to close and no longer be visible. Most patients experience relief from the symptoms of their venous defects, such as swelling, aching, burning and cramps, within a few weeks.
The healing process takes time, and we tell every patient that it is normal for your veins to sometimes look worse before they start to look better.
HOW LONG DO SCLEROTHERAPY RESULTS LAST?
The veins closed with sclerotherapy will be permanently eliminated from the body, providing long-lasting results. However, new spider veins or varicose veins can develop in the treatment area, which may make subsequent treatments over the years necessary to maintain your results.
