Sclerotherapy

What is sclerotherapy?
Eliminating "spider veins" by injecting them with a solution (hypertonic saline or sotradecol).

Does sclerotherapy work for everyone?
Most patients have good results. There is no guarantee that it will be effective and approximately 10% of patients will have poor to fair results.

How many treatments does it take?
The number of treatments differ from person to person. Individual veins usually require 1-3 treatments.

What are the side effects?

• mild itching.
• hyperpigmentation: approximately 10% of patients may notice light brown streaks after treatments. It may last 4-12 months.
• ulcerations: ulcers are rare an occur in less than 1% of patients. They may leave a scar when healed.
• allergic reactions: rarely patients may have allergic reaction to the sclerosing solution.
• pain and bruising.
• matting: this is the development of new tiny blood vessels. This occurs in up to 10% of patients and usually resolves in 4-6 months.

Before Your Treatment

• Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 days before treatment because these may increase bruising.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as these may delay healing.
• Do not shave your legs the day of your appointment to avoid discomfort.
• Shower and wash your legs prior to your appointment, but do not use moisturizers.
• You may want to wear shorts during the treatment.

After Your Treatment

• You will have cotton balls and tape on the treated areas which may be removed after a few hours.
• Maintain usual activities but avoid high-impact aerobics for 48 hours.
• Wear support stockings as instructed (15-30mmHg) during the day for two weeks after treatment.
• The areas treated will bruise and often look worse than before treatment. The veins start to fade in the next 2- weeks.
• You may be retreated in 6-8 weeks