Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for improving the appearance of varicose and spider veins on the legs. It is also performed to treat symptoms caused by these conditions, such as aching, swelling and burning.

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Sclerotherapy involves injecting Asclera® (a chemical solution) directly into the varicose or spider vein. The solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together and seal shut, stopping the flow of blood. As a result, the vein fades within a few weeks.

Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body through the arteries. Veins then carry the blood from the body back to the heart. As your leg muscles squeeze, they push blood back to the heart from your lower body against the flow of gravity.

Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves up your legs. If the valves become weak, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there, causing veins to enlarge and become varicose.

Spider veins can develop from weak or damaged valves as well. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to sun and injuries.

Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia and is typically performed in your dermatologic surgeon's office.

The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes, but the exact length of time depends on the size of the area and the number of veins being treated.

Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you. Here is a brief summary of what to expect:

• You will lie on your back with legs slightly elevated during the procedure.
• Your doctor will cleanse the treatment area before inserting Asclera® into the targeted vein with a fine needle.
• The solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut, stopping blood flow.
• The treated vein will fade within a few weeks.
• You may feel minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted; inform your doctor if you feel discomfort.
• After the injections, your doctor will apply compression and massage the treated area to prevent blood flow into the injected vein and help disperse the solution.
• A compression pad may be taped onto the injection site for added compression.

• After the procedure, it is important to walk around to prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs. Most people return to their normal activities on the same day.
• Avoid sun exposure to the treated areas for two weeks after the procedure. The inflammation caused by the injections combined with sun exposure can lead to dark spots on your skin, especially if you already have a dark skin tone.
• Wear compression stockings to maintain compression on the treated veins.

Sclerotherapy is a simple and typically safe procedure. However, as with any procedure, it does carry some risk and may cause side effects.

Temporary side effects that may occur at the injection site include:

• Stinging or pain at the sites of injection
• Swelling of the ankles or feet, or muscle cramps
• Red, raised areas at the injection sites
• Brown lines or spots on the skin at the injection sites
• Groups of fine red blood vessels near the injection sites of larger vessels
• Small, painful ulcers at treatment sites, which may develop immediately following treatment or after a few days
• Temporary bruises
• Allergic reactions to sclerosing solutions
• Inflammation of treated blood vessels
• Lumps in injected vessels
• Burning with discoloration of the skin