Sclerotherapy
What is sclerotherapy?
Eliminating "spider veins" by injecting them with a solution (hypertonic saline or sotradecol). Dr. Sevigny and our nurse practitioners perform this treatment. It takes approximately 15 minutes per session.
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?
Eliminating "spider veins" by injecting them with a solution (hypertonic saline or sotradecol). Dr. Sevigny and our nurse practitioners perform this treatment. It takes approximately 15 minutes per session.
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.
- 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.
- 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
