Sclerotherapy

• What is sclerotherapy?
•  
• Sclerotherapy is defined as the targeted elimination of small vessels, varicose veins and vascular anomalies by the injection of a sclerosant. (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate)
• The aim of sclerotherapy is to damage the vessel wall and transform it into a fibrous cord that cannot be recanalized.
• It is a simple, cost-effective, efficacious and esthetically acceptable modality for both therapeutic and esthetic purposes.
• The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and has been used since the 1930s.

How is sclerotherapy done?

Sclerotherapy is performed in a doctor’s office. The treatment area is cleansed. The solution is injected directly into the blood vessel, using very fine needles. The number of areas are injected in one session.It can be repeated after 2-4 weeks depending the skin lesions.

How successful is sclerotherapy in treating varicose and spider veins?

Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. It is estimated that as many as 50 percent to 80 percent of injected veins may be eliminated with each injection session. A few (less than 10 percent) of the people who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all. In these instances, different solutions or a different method, such as laser therapy, may be tried.

In general, spider veins respond to treatment in 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond to the treatment, usually they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time. If needed, you may return for injections.

What to do before the procedure?

Medications: Prior to sclerotherapy, certain medications should be avoided. Please follow these guidelines:

•  Tetracycline or Minocin, both antibiotics, may possibly cause a staining of the skin if taken 7 to 10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Ask your doctor about

you may return for injections.

What to do before the procedure

Medications: Prior to sclerotherapy, certain medications should be avoided. Please follow these guidelines:

• Tetracycline or Minocin, both antibiotics, may possibly cause a staining of the skin if taken 7 to 10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Ask your doctor about