SCLEROTHERAPY/VEIN THERAPY
Eliminating unwanted veins
WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure for the elimination of asymptomatic and unwanted veins for patients. Cosmetic sclerotherapy involves the use of injections of small amounts of solutions to irritate the vein walls and achieve the ultimate closure of the vein.
HOW DOES VEIN THERAPY/SCLEROTHERAPY WORK?
The sclerotherapy process consists of an injection directly into the vein. The solutions used irritates the lining of the veins which causes them to collapse in on themselves and clot. This dramatically reduced the size and appearance of the vein, and over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades.
The procedure itself only takes about 15 to 30 minutes, making it incredibly convenient for many patients.
DOES SCLEROTHERAPY HURT?
There is some mild discomfort involved with vein therapy procedures. Patients can expect to feel some mild discomfort and cramping for a couple of minutes.And depending on the size of the vein, the discomfort could be a bit more prolonged, but the pain does not last.
After the procedure, patients can expect to experience some mild itching, raised bumps, and bruising. But these are all temporary.
VEIN THERAPY RESULTS: HOW LONG AND DO THEY LAST?
With our sclerotherapy services, patients can expect to see results within a few weeks. 4 to 6 weeks after treatment, most patients should see all or most of their spider veins disappear from view. For Varicose veins, results should appear 3 to 4 months post-procedure.
Another added benefit of sclerotherapy is that the treatment is permanent – veins that are treated do not reappear. However, new veins may develop which will require additional treatments.
Preparing For Your Treatment
What is Sclerotherapy with Asclera?
Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy and administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins in your legs – Uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated, small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins.
Pre-Treatment
- You should bring a pair of loose-fitting shorts with you to each visit.
- You will need to wear a compression garment after each treatment. Bring them with you to each appointment.
- Do not wear any lotions or other cosmetics on your legs on the day of the appointment.
- Do not shave your legs the morning of the appointment.
- Do not tan or use bottled tanning lotions 2 weeks before or after your treatment.
What to Expect
Following treatment, you’ll need to wear compression stockings day and night for 2 to 3 days, then for 2 to 3 weeks during the daytime, as directed by your provider. Compression stockings/shorts are designed to apply pressure, helping to maintain blood flow, and reduce discomfort and swelling. Compression helps your legs heal and is necessary to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. If you are being treated for reticular veins, you will need to wear your compression garment for 5-7 days day and night, then for 2 to 3 weeks during the daytime, as directed by your provider.
You should also walk 15 to 20 minutes immediately after treatment and daily for a few days.
Your veins will look worse before they look better. Discoloration varies from patient to patient and may take weeks to month to fade completely.
Post-Treatment
- Bruising, redness, local swelling and some tenderness are normal after treatment. These symptoms may take 3-5 weeks or longer to fade; but if you have any questions please feel free to contact the office.
- If there is tenderness or discomfort in the treated area, you may take either Motrin or Aleve (according to the package recommended dosage). If the pain persists, call the office.
- For optimal results, keep the compression hose on continuously for 2-3 weeks after your treatment, except when showering and at bedtime.
- We recommend a gentle body wash.
- The use of public swimming pools, tanning beds and hot tubs are not permitted for 2 weeks.
- Avoid flying for a few days following your treatment.
- You may resume normal activities the next day.
- You may resume exercising in 3 days (no weights with legs for 2 weeks).
- Schedule your follow up visit in 4-6 weeks.
FAQs
In general, the sclerotherapy procedure is an excellent choice as long as you aren’t pregnant or have a history of blood clots in the treatment area. Most vein specialists prefer sclerotherapy for spider veins over laser treatments, particularly on the legs.
After cleansing the area, your provider will use a very fine needle to inject the solution into the affected vein(s).
Asclera® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the inside lining of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets and cellular debris to attach to the lining of the vessels. Eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.
A topical numbing agent may be used in patients but is not necessary. If you are allergic to topical anesthesia, you can still receive sclerotherapy without numbing.
The number and frequency of treatments depends on the size of the vessels and their location. Ask your provider about an individualized treatment approach that is right for you.
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