Sclerotherapy Procedure
Overview
Sclerotherapy treats varicose and spider veins, which often appear twisted or enlarged in the legs. The procedure involves a healthcare provider injecting a special solution directly into the affected vein using a fine needle. This solution scars and closes the vein, redirecting blood through nearby healthy veins.
Key Points:
- Useful for small varicose and spider veins
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- May require more than one session for some veins
Results Table
| Vein Type | Treatment Area | Number of Sessions Needed | Time to Notice Fading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varicose veins | Legs | Sometimes more than one required | A few weeks to a month |
| Spider veins | Legs, arms | Often resolved faster | Within weeks |
Over time, treated veins become less visible, though they may not disappear completely. Results improve gradually, and the need for follow-up sessions depends on the vein’s size and response to treatment.
Reasons for the Procedure
Doctors use sclerotherapy to help remove unwanted vein problems like varicose veins and spider veins, especially in the legs. This treatment helps with symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning, and night cramps.
By closing off unhealthy veins, sclerotherapy can improve blood flow. Doctors often recommend waiting for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Family history and vein disease are common reasons people choose this treatment.
Common Symptoms Addressed
| Symptom | Area Most Affected |
|---|---|
| Aching | Legs |
| Swelling | Legs |
| Burning | Legs |
| Night cramping | Legs |
Possible Problems and Side Effects
Sclerotherapy offers a safe treatment, but it does have risks and side effects. Some reactions are mild and resolve on their own, while others may need medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Bruising: Many people notice bruising at the needle site.
- Swelling and Irritation: Mild inflammation, warmth, and discomfort can happen after treatment.
- Skin Changes: Small sores or dark spots on the skin might appear and usually fade within a few weeks.
- Cramping: Some may feel muscle cramps near the injection site.
Less Common Reactions
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic responses to the solution are uncommon but possible. These may lead to hives, itching, or more serious symptoms.
- Blood Clots: Rarely, a blood clot can form where the vein is treated. Occasionally, this could develop into a deeper blood clot (thrombosis), which can pose serious health risks.
- Air Bubbles: Tiny air bubbles may form in the blood. Most people have no symptoms, but some can experience fleeting headaches, vision changes, dizziness, or nausea.
Other Issues
- Scar Tissue: Though uncommon, some people may develop scar tissue where the procedure occurred.
- Inflammation: Swelling and redness, also called phlebitis, can develop in some cases.
| Side Effect | How common | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bruising | Common | Fades in days to weeks |
| Mild swelling | Common | Eases with time |
| Allergic reaction | Rare | Often mild, sometimes severe |
| Blood clot | Rare | Needs prompt care if severe |
| Scar tissue | Uncommon | Usually mild if present |
Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble moving should contact a healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.
Steps to Get Ready
Before sclerotherapy, the healthcare provider reviews the person’s medical history and asks about any recent illnesses, allergies, or health conditions, such as heart problems or blood clot history. The provider also asks about medicines, including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, blood thinners, iron pills, or herbal products.
Some medicines may need to be stopped before the procedure to help lower the risk of bleeding. The provider performs a physical exam to check the veins. Sometimes, an ultrasound helps evaluate symptoms caused by the veins. Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothes on the day of treatment and avoid using lotions on their legs. Many providers advise having support hose or compression stockings ready for after the procedure.
What You Can Expect
Most people have sclerotherapy done at a clinic or doctor’s office. Before the appointment, patients should not shave their legs or put lotion on the skin. Wearing loose, comfortable clothes makes it easier to access the area that will be treated. Tight clothing can bother the injection sites and may slow healing.
What Happens During Your Visit
A person lies on their back with their legs raised slightly. The healthcare provider cleans the skin where the treatment will happen. Using a small needle, the provider slowly injects a chemical solution—known as a sclerosing solution—into the targeted vein. This might cause a mild stinging or cramping feeling.
If strong pain occurs, the staff should be told right away, as this could mean the solution has moved outside the vein. After each injection, the provider applies pressure and may gently massage the area. Sometimes, a padding is taped onto the spot to help keep pressure and prevent blood from pooling back.
The number of injections varies based on how many veins need treatment, as larger or more complicated cases may require more injection sites. In some cases, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy helps find feeder veins below the surface for more accurate treatment.
Quick Summary of Steps
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Positioning | Lying down, legs slightly elevated |
| Preparation | Cleaning the skin |
| Injection | Sclerosing solution injected with a fine needle |
| After injection | Pressure and massage, pad may be taped on injection area |
| Treatment sessions | Number depends on how many veins are being treated |
What to Expect After Treatment
After the session, patients should walk around to lower the risk of blood clots. Most people return to their usual routine the same day. Wearing compression stockings or tight bandages for about two weeks keeps pressure on the treated veins and helps healing. The treated area should be kept out of sunlight or covered with sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for two weeks to help prevent dark spots.
Heavy exercise should be avoided for two weeks. Patients should also avoid shaving or using lotion on the treated area until it is healed. Some people ask someone they trust to drive them home afterward. Multiple treatment sessions might be needed to get the desired results, especially for larger or deeper veins.
Outcomes
Most people notice changes after sclerotherapy for small spider veins within three to six weeks. Larger veins may take three to four months to improve. Some may require multiple sessions, spaced out by about six weeks, to reach their goals.
| Type of Vein | Visible Change | Possible Need for Retreatments |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Spider Veins) | 3–6 weeks | Sometimes |
| Larger Veins | 3–4 months | Often |
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients return to normal activities soon after the procedure. The treated veins usually do not reappear, but new ones can develop over time.
