Sclerotherapy
WHO IS A CANDIDATE:
- Patients with unwanted spider veins and small
varicose veins.
- Any history of chronic venous disease such as
recurrent deep vein thrombosis is a contraindication.
INTENDED RESULTS:
- The goal of treatment is to eliminate the unsightly
veins.
- Repeat treatments at two to four week intervals
are often necessary until satisfactory venous ablation
is carried out.
- Veins that are too small in diameter to permit
needle puncture may require other modalities of
treatment such as laser therapy.
- A certain percentage of patients will have persistence
of veins despite sclerotherapy.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION:
- It may be necessary to mark some of the veins
in the standing position.
- The injection sites are cleaned and small syringes
and fine needles are then used to inject the sclerosant
material at two to three centimeter intervals.
- Some mild bleeding at the injection site is expected.
- It is normal to get localized swelling and redness
soon after the injection. This will dissipate within
twenty four hours.
- Compression stockings are often used at the conclusion
of the procedure.
- Rarely the skin may blister at the injection
site.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING:
- Redness and some swelling are common in the first
day or so.
- Bruising is also common and may persist for 3-4
weeks.
- Slightly limited physical activity is necessary
for 1-2 days and then resumption of normal activities
is possible.
OTHER OPTIONS
Laser treatments can also be used to eradicate small
veins.
INSURANCE GUIDELINES
Spider veins are considered cosmetic and are not
covered by insurance. Larger varicose veins which
cause symptoms such as pain or ulceration may be
covered by insurance.
NOTE: The specific risks and the
suitability of this procedure for a given individual
can be determined only at the time of consultation.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk.
Minor complications that do not affect the outcome
can occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.
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