Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is an in office procedure in which a concentrated solution is injected into dilated, small spider and/or varicose leg veins. The solution works by causing the tiny cells, which line the blood vessels, to dry out. The repair process, which occurs after the cells are dried out, results in closure of the blood vessels and their eventual disappearance.
No one is totally sure why spider veins occur, but certain families seem predisposed. Mechanical trauma, falls, long periods of standing or sitting, as well as pregnancy and hormones play a role. The use of support hose, weight reduction, and exercise may be helpful in preventing spider veins in the first place.
Sclerotherapy often requires several appointments as each vessel may require 2 to 3 injections over a period of months to fully respond. Recurrences can occur as this procedure does not prevent new vessels from occurring.
Dr. Roberts prefers to allow 4 to 6 weeks of healing before re-injecting the same area. However, different sites can be injected more frequently.
Please do not apply lotions or creams the morning of treatment and avoid shaving your legs 24 hours prior to treatment. Some patients may bruise easily just prior or during menses and it is recommended that this time be avoided for the initial treatment.
If Dr. Roberts treats larger blue veins, she will request your purchase compression stockings to be worn during waking hours for up to 3 weeks following treatment for maximum results. Please ask us for a prescription for these stockings prior to your first treatment and bring them with you the day of your treatment.
Following sclerotherapy, we ask that you avoid high impact aerobic activity for 48 hours; however, you are encouraged to walk and move around for at least one hour after treatment for proper blood circulation.
Dr. Roberts also requests strict sun avoidance for 6 weeks before and after treatment to avoid healing with brown spots.
Side effects are minimal in the majority of patients. Rarely a blister can develop if small amounts of solution seep into the surrounding skin. If blistering occurs, please call our office immediately for treatment instructions. Blisters usually heal quickly, but occasionally a small freckle-like pigmentation can persist indefinitely at the injection site. Bruising may occur and can last up to 2-4 weeks. Occasionally, a clot develops at the injection site. This clot will not cause any internal problems. It can be drained 5-7 days after sclerotherapy. Swelling occasionally is noted and may be severe. The swelling is not dangerous, but occasionally must be treated with elevation and/or cold compression dressing. As with any injection there is a small risk of infection at the treated site(s). Call our office immediately if you have fever, leg pain or other unusual signs or symptoms.