Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation. Sclerotherapy is sometime used alone but in the instance of very small spider veins laser treatment is also used.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients describe minimal itching and burning for 5-15 minutes following sclerotherapy, but you will leave the office free of discomfort. You will feel the prick of the needle being inserted into the skin. However, we use the tiniest needles possible to reduce the discomfort felt by our patients.
Recovery Time
Normal activities may be resumed immediately. After healing, stockings are recommended for long trips, prolonged standing, or when legs ache.
Risks of Procedure
Serious medical complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified practitioner. However, they may occur. Risks include the formation of blood clots in the veins, severe inflammation, adverse allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution and skin injury that could leave a small but permanent scar.
A common cosmetic complication is pigmentation irregularity – brownish splotches on the affected skin that may take months to fade, sometimes up to a year. Another problem that can occur is “telangiectatic matting,” in which fine reddish blood vessels appear around the treated area, requiring further
