Sclerotherapy

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is one of the top treatments for spider veins. It’s frequently used to eliminate small to mid-sized varicose veins. 

When you get sclerotherapy, your provider at AMI Surgery performs a minimally invasive procedure using a small needle to inject medication into your veins.

The medication makes the vein walls collapse and the treated tissues are gradually absorbed, permanently eliminating the vein. The blood naturally reroutes through other healthy veins, restoring normal circulation.

What increases my risk of spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins and varicose veins develop when one-way valves inside the veins fail, allowing blood to flow backward. As blood builds up and the vein enlarges, it turns into a visible vein.

You have spider veins when the problem is in tiny capillaries in your skin. Varicose veins appear when the valves in large veins fail, a problem that most often occurs in your legs.

Spider veins seldom cause health problems or symptoms. Varicose veins often cause leg pain, leg fatigue, and leg swelling. The underlying cause of varicose veins also leads to complications such as discolored skin and leg ulcers.

The following factors increase your risk of developing spider veins and varicose veins:

• Family history
• Increasing age
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Heavy lifting
• History of blood clots
• Female gender
• Multiple pregnancies

You’re also more likely to have vein problems if you’re overweight or obese.

What should I expect during sclerotherapy?

With a few exceptions, the sclerotherapy procedure is similar for spider veins and varicose veins. For both types of veins, you may need multiple treatments to get optimal results.

After the injections are finished, your provider massages the area and applies a compression pad. You can walk around immediately and return to most of your normal activities.

Sclerotherapy for spider veins

Spider veins are so small that most patients tolerate the injection without needing a topical anesthetic. The veins generally disappear in 3-6 weeks after your treatment.

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins

Your provider at AMI Surgery uses a local anesthetic when injecting varicose veins. If you have extensive varicosities or problems in deep veins, your provider uses duplex ultrasound imaging to map the veins, determine the extent of your treatment, and guide the injections.

Larger veins typically need a foam medication that expands to reach all the vein walls. You should see optimal results in about 3-4 months.

To learn if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy, call AMI Surgery or book an appointment online today.