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?
On the day of the procedure, you should:
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.