Information on Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used in the treatment of varicose veins (enlarged veins) that generally appear on the legs. Sclerotherapy is also used to treat smaller spider veins that may accompany varicose veins.

Procedure

• Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The doctor injects a solution (sclerosant) into the affected vein, which causes it to shrink. It can take up to three months for varicose veins and six weeks for spider veins to disappear.

Sclerosant

• The type of sclerosant used for sclerotherapy depends on the severity of malformation. Sclerosants include polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate and hypertonic saline.

Aftercare

• After the procedure, patients wear some sort of compression wrap for one to three weeks. They should walk a half hour every day but avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days.

Complications

• Side effects and complications of sclerotherapy include a mild burning sensation at the injection site, allergic reaction to the sclerosant, skin ulcerations, scarring and deep vein thrombosis (rare).

Warning

• Pregnant or nursing mothers should not receive sclerotherapy. Women should wait at least three months after giving birth before undergoing the procedure.