Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a versatile method of treating varicose veins and spider veins in which a medication, called a sclerosant, is injected into the damaged vein through a small needle. For larger veins (varicose veins), sclerotherapy is performed under ultrasound guidance. For smaller veins (spider and reticular veins), the procedure is done visually because ultrasound guidance is not necessary. The sclerosant causes the treated vein to close down and, with time, the abnormal vein is resorbed by the body. The blood is rerouted from the damaged to normal functioning veins. Tennessee Vein Center uses two FDA approved sclerosants, polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulfate. These sclerosants are much more effective and do not cause the burning and cramping that is associated “saline” injections. Experts consider sclerotherapy to be the Gold Standard treatment for leg veins.

What are the Advantages of Sclerotherapy?

It is a versatile treatment for various types and sizes of varicose, reticular, and spider veins
Nearly pain-free when small needles are used with a non-saline sclerosant
No surgical incisions or scars
Often covered by insurance (when criteria are met)
Can be done on patients of any skin type or color

Do I Need These Veins?

One of the more common questions regarding treatment of varicose and spider veins is, “Do I need these veins?” The answer is NO for several reasons:

These damaged veins are not functioning properly to return blood back to the heart
Varicose and spider veins cause damage to other good veins
Refluxing veins are often “stealing” blood that should be directed back to the heart, causing healthy veins to try to compensate for the damaged ones
In addition to having miles of superficial veins in your leg, you also have a deep set of veins within the muscle
In other words, varicose and spider veins are not functioning properly, they are working against the healthy veins and they can cause damage to the healthy veins.

What Should I Expect With Sclerotherapy?

The first step in the evaluation of varicose and/or spider veins or symptoms suggestive of venous insufficiency is to schedule a medical consultation or free screening with Tennessee Vein Center. We will first determine if full evaluation with duplex venous ultrasound and venous mapping is appropriate. Once you 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 prior to approving the thermal ablation procedure. As part of the evaluation, you will be measured for or prescribed medical-grade compression hose.

On the day of the procedure, you should:

Avoid the use of lotion on the 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 on the day of treatment
Remember it is fine to eat on the day of the procedure, but you may want to avoid eating a heavy meal just prior to treatment and you may want to consider a light snack if it has been several hours since you last ate.

What Should I Expect After Sclerotherapy?

Immediately after ultrasound guided injections, we will let your legs rest for 5 minutes prior to having you put on your compression hose.
It is important for you to wear your medical-grade compression hose for 5-7 days after ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. Compression hose help your circulation and serve to reduce swelling, reduce inflammation, reduce complications, and speed healing.
During this healing process walking and normal daily activities are strongly encouraged.
Bruising, minor soreness, and tenderness along the course of the treated vein(s) is 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.
You can resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure, but you should avoid extremely strenuous activities for a few days.