Sclerotherapy Treatment Options: What is Sclerotherapy Treatment?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that has been safely used since the 1930s to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. A chemical effectively eliminates the vein by creating scar tissue that blocks the vein, causing it to close and wither.

How does Sclerotherapy work ?

Sclerotherapy is a short procedure in which a fine needle is inserted into the target veins and a salt solution is injected. The chemical injection, which contains sclerosant, is administered into the vein, damaging and scarring it. The damaged vein then closes, causing it to fade away.

What can Sclerotherapy treat ?

Varicose veins often appear on older individuals of both genders. This procedure helps to reinvigorate confidence and self-esteem by eliminating unsightly veins that can cause embarrassment, particularly when wearing shorts, skirts, bathing suits and dresses. Sclerotherapy also brings a more youthful appearance back to the legs and feet.

While most patients will get sclerotherapy for cosmetic purposes – to eliminate the appearance of varicose and spider veins. The procedure also can improve related symptoms such as aching, swelling, burning and night cramps.

What is a session like ?

In most cases of sclerotherapy, the salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. At this point, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping for one to two minutes, especially when larger veins are injected. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

The number of veins injected in one session depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.

Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor’s office by a dermatologist and requires that you do not do any aerobic activity for a few days after the procedure.

What results can be expected ?

With minimal discomfort and downtime, definitive results can be experienced within three to six weeks. Studies have shown an overall success rate of about 60 to 80 percent in eliminating treated veins.

You should start seeing results of a treatment for spider veins or small varicose veins in three to six weeks, but you might not see your full results for as long as six months.