SCLEROTHERAPY

There are 3 top ways to treat spider veins and varicose veins with sclerotherapy

• Injection sclerotherapy
• Laser sclerotherapy
• Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy

Injection sclerotherapy
Liquid sclerotherapy delivered by precise injection is the spider vein treatment method most commonly recommended by vein experts. By injecting tiny amounts of a medication named polidocanol into the targeted spider veins, providers are able to cause the veins to constrict and eventually disappear entirely. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort, and side effects of the medication itself are quite rare. After wearing compression stockings for a few days, many patients are back to normal with dramatic results.

Laser sclerotherapy
Vascular lasers make an excellent adjunct treatment for liquid sclerotherapy, thanks to their precision and highly targeted effectiveness. To treat spider veins, the high-powered laser focuses on the blood within the vessel without impacting the tissue surrounding it. The laser system also has a cooling system that maximizes patient comfort while improving results. Typically, there are no side effects, and patients are able to immediately resume normal activities, though in rare cases there may be some redness, discoloration or mild swelling. For laser sclerotherapy, compression stockings are not required after treatment.

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
By integrating the use of an ultrasound device (similar to the one used during pregnancy), your team will be able to find even the hardest-to-see vessels, particularly the ones that feed the more obvious spider veins. These vessels, known as feeder veins, are identified with ultrasound and then treated with liquid or laser sclerotherapy at a higher degree of precision. Patients wear compression stockings for a few days following the procedure for the best results.

Who are the best candidates for sclerotherapy?
Prior to receiving sclerotherapy you will meet with a vein specialist for a consultation who will decide if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is often done for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of varicose, spider veins, and can also improve some symptoms in patients such as night cramps, swelling, burning, and, aching

What happens during sclerotherapy?
During procedure, you’ll lay down on your back with your legs slightly elevated. After cleansing the area to be treated with alcohol, your doctor will use a fine needle to slowly insert a solution into the appropriate vein. The liquid solution works by irritating the lining of the vein which then causing it to swell shut and block the flow of blood.

Does it sclerotherapy hurt?
In general, no and often painless. That’s why it’s important to see a vein expert who is board certified and knows what they are doing. Some patients may experience minor stinging or cramps when the needle is inserted into the vein. If you have a lot of pain, tell your doctor. There could be a slight chance of pain if any solution leaks from the vein into surrounding tissue, this is completely normal.

What are the expected results?
After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take six week to a month or more to see the full results. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be needed. Conservatively, there is about a 50-75% improvement each time, most patients require 2-4 treatments for full results.

Will spider veins come back?
Modern treatments using Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy performed after a thorough Duplex Ultrasound Scan give the best results. Recurrent varicose veins can be treated again with better outcomes. If your doctor doesn’t use image guidance there is a higher likelihood that they will come back, or if you have had treatment before and your spider veins came back, this may be the reason why.

Does insurance cover the treatment?
Depends on what the cause and source of your vein disease. Insurance coverage for sclerotherapy varies. If your varicose veins are causing medical problems such as swelling or pain, then your insurance may offer reimbursement. If you are pursuing sclerotherapy for cosmetic purposes only, your insurance carrier most likely will not cover the procedure. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

What is the recovery like?
There is little to no downtime, so patients are very happy with their ability to go back to work the same day. Patients should wear compression stocking for three days following the procedure. A follow-up visit within two weeks to enable the evacuation of blood clots in larger veins can improve the prognosis and the appearance. A top vein specialist center will always using ultrasound imaging post procedure to make sure you’re legs are getting better and staying healthy after a treatment.

Are there any side effects?
Some side effects that may occur at the site of the injection include:

• Bruising
• Raised red areas
• Small skin sores
• Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots
• Multiple tiny red blood vessels
• Discoloration, rope feeling

These side effects usually go away within a few days to several weeks. Some side effects can take months or even years to disappear completely.

Why VIP Centers?

At VIP you can expect top of the level patient care with our Harvard trained, multiple board certified specialists in the treatment of venous disease. Our doctors are very thorough and will explain step by step of your individualized course of treatment. At VIP you will be sure to have an amazing/rewarding experience.