SCLEROTHERAPY

What is Sclerotherapy for?

Sclerotherapy is for superficial leg veins which are dilated, small surface vessels, also called spider veins, telangiectasias, star burst blemishes. They are either pink, red or purple and can occur on ankles, lower legs or thighs as lines or clusters.

Spider Veins

Normal blood travels through healthy veins up to the heart. Spider veins, however, are abnormally dilated veins that cannot perform their function.

Spider veins are the tiny red or blue vessels that can appear anywhere on the body but more commonly on the legs, face, chest or even abdomen. They may be visible as short, seemingly unconnected lines each about the size of a large hair or they may resemble a spider web or tree with branches. In medical terms spider veins are called "telangiectasias". They usually occur in association with larger dilated blood vessels (often blue / green in colour) called "reticular veins".

What is the cause of these vessels?

The cause is unknown but these vessels are more common in females. A familial predisposition, pregnancy, hormones, obesity, trauma, long periods of standing and sitting have been implicated. Hereditary tendency is probably one of the most significant factors.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the injection of a chemical agent into the cavity of a blood vessel. These agents cause inflammation of the blood vessel walls resulting in the occlusion of the blood vessels.

Can spider veins be prevented?

Exercise, weight loss and support stockings may help limit the number of new vessels, but will not prevent a predisposed female from developing any at all.

What can I expect during injection?

A very fine needle is used during the injection. You may experience a mild pinprick sensation, which feels like a small mosquito bite. 15-30 seconds of mild discomfort or burning at the site of injection may be experienced. Some patients will experience a local muscle cramp, lasting a few minutes. The injected veins completely disappear for a few seconds as blood is pushed out by the solution, but when blood flow returns they reappear, before closing over. Since many of the vessels interconnect, one injection may eradicate several dozen vessels at one time.



Are there any special instructions before the procedure?

Do not take aspirin for a one-week prior to treatment. Be sure to eat before treatment to avoid becoming light-headed during the procedure.

How soon will the vessels disappear?

The vessels will either lighten or completely disappear. The fading occurs over the first month but may take as long as 2-3 months for some vessels. The treatment does not prevent new vessels from appearing. It only treats vessels that have been injected.

Are there certain vessels, which tend to recur more commonly?

Yes the type of vessels, which occur in a mat of very fine, radiating vessels.

How often can I be treated?

The same area should not be injected for six to eight weeks to allow for complete healing. Different areas may be treated sooner.

How many times does it have to be done?

This varies with the number of areas that have to be injected as well as the response to each injection. It usually takes one to three injections to obliterate any vessels and 10-20 vessels may be treated in any one session. Most patients can expect at least a 75% improvement in the appearance of their veins after a sclerotherapy treatment session but it may take up to 2-3 months to show maximum benefit and perfection cannot be guaranteed.

What are the post treatment instructions?

Pressure stockings will be placed on the treated areas and should remain until the following morning. Contact sports and strenuous activities should e avoided for the first 48 hours.

What kind of side effects may occur?

There are no serious effects with the procedure, however, temporary side effects may occur.

  1. Bruising and Swelling: Local swelling and bruising may occur at the site of needle penetration and along the vessel. Swelling resolves within 24 hours, bruising fades slowly within several weeks.
  2. Tenderness: Tenderness, which may occur at injection site and along the vessel, persists for 1-2 weeks.
  3. Urticaria and itching: Immediately following injection, a hive-like reaction with itching may develop at the site, usually subsiding within 30 minutes.
  4. Ulcerations: A small ulcer may develop at the injection site, which will crust and heal in 1 -2 weeks.
  5. Pigmentation Changes: Spider veins often rupture during the treatment process leaving linear brown streaks or small brown spots, which clear within 6 months.
  6. Cramping: Following injection of the ankle, cramping may occur. Moving the toes and massage will alleviate the discomfort.
  7. Telangiectatic Mats: A network of very small veins may develop near the injection site during the course of treatment and will clear spontaneously or after repeated treatment.
  8. Deep vein thrombosis: Clots extending into the deep veins may occur but this is very rare if the protocol of compression and regular daily walking is followed.
  9. Intra-arterial infection: This is a rare complication that can result in muscle and skin damage.

Following your Treatment:

  • Walk for 30 minutes immediately following the injections.
  • If possible, do not drive home yourself. If you have to drive do not keep the legs and feet still.
  • Maintain normal daytime activities.
  • Walk at least an hour a day - the longer the better.
  • No hot baths for two weeks.
  • Avoid standing still. If you must stay in one place, move feet and toes frequently.
  • If the legs become painful after the injection, walk.
  • Do not remove the stockings for several days at least, longer if convenient.
  • Avoid strenuous, physical activity (aerobics) for the first 48-72 hours.

Can vein problems be prevented?

There is no known method of prevention. Wearing specialized venous support stockings may prevent some dilated blood vessels from developing in some people. Maintaining a normal weight, regular exercise, avoiding constipation and avoiding wearing high heeled shoes may also be helpful.

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