Sclerotherapy Treatment

Sclerotherapy is a widely-used, highly effective treatment for the removal of spider veins and smaller varicose veins. A small volume of a sclerosing chemical solution (liquid or foam) is injected directly into the diseased vein using a fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell, stick together, and seal shut, eliminating the vein completely. Over time, the body absorbs the scar tissue and the vein fades from view.

What to Expect:

• During the Procedure: The treatment area is cleaned and sterilized. Your doctor will inject the sclerosing solution (sometimes containing local anesthetic lidocaine for comfort) into the veins. For larger veins, a foam version may be used, as foam covers more surface area than liquid. You may experience minor stinging or cramping. Once the needle is withdrawn, compression and massage are applied to keep blood out of the injected vessel. The number of injections depends on the number of veins. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and requires no anesthesia.
• After the Procedure: You will be able to get up and walk around immediately to prevent blood clots. You will wear compression stockings or bandages for about two weeks to maintain pressure. Most patients return to normal activities on the same day.
• Important Guidelines: Avoid strenuous exercise and direct sun exposure to the treated areas for two weeks. Sun exposure on inflamed skin can lead to dark spots or hyperpigmentation, particularly in patients with darker skin tones.