Sclerotherapy for Leg Veins

While arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins are the vessels which carry blood back to the heart and lungs. Veins in the legs are working against gravity to bring blood up from the feet to the heart. Therefore they contain valves to keep the blood flowing in the proper direction. Valves prevent the flow of blood back toward the feet. Vein disease occurs when the walls and valves of the veins become weak or damaged. Varicose and/or spider veins develop.

Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1920's as a treatment for spider veins (telangiectasias). Spider veins are small purple and red vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although they are connected with the larger venous system they are not an essential part of it. Some contributing factors to the development of spider veins are heredity, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, birth control pills, weight gain, injury, prolonged sitting or standing. Spider veins are most commonly found on the thigh or lower leg. Symptoms may include leg pain, heaviness, tenderness, fatigue, burning, throbbing, itching, leg swelling, cramping and restlessness of the legs. Large to small veins can safely be treated with outstanding results. Sclerotherapy is a popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the injection of a sclerosing agent into the varicose or spider veins using a fine needle. The solution displaces the blood in the vein. The sclerosing agent irritates the inside lining of the vein causing it to collapse and permanently close. These veins will then reabsorb and disappear in 2 to 4 months. A sclerosing session is approx. 30 to 45 minutes. Several treatments sessions may be required based on individual needs. Treatments are scheduled 4 weeks apart. Each session involves 5 to 40 injections depending on the number and size of the veins. Patients may feel a mild burning sensation and pin prick. The needle is thin and the sclerosing solution mild therefore the discomfort is minimal. A cotton ball with compression tape is applied to each area and a compression stocking must be worn for 3 to 5 days. Patients may resume work and normal activities following treatment. Patients may experience swelling, itchiness, bruising, pigmentation, redness or tenderness. Bruising will fade and disappear in 2 -3 weeks. A brown pigmentation may develop which will gradually fade over several months. Medical complications such as blood clots, inflammation, allergic reaction to the sclerosing solution or skin ulcers are extremely rare.

The first visit

You will be asked to fill out a medical form. A complete medical history will be taken. Your legs will then be thoroughly examined. Leg measurements will be taken. Your treatment plan will then be discussed with you.

Pre-treatment Instructions:

• avoid aspirin for one week to reduce bruising
• do not wax or shave your legs the day of treatment
• avoid using skin lotion/cream so tape will stick
• eat regular meals to prevent feeling faint
• bring shorts to wear during the procedure
• bring pants or a long skirt to wear after treatment
• wear comfortable shoes for a 10 min. walk after treatment
• bring support hose (compression stockings)
• re-schedule if ill with a fever
• avoid injections for a two week period prior to vacation or travel

Post-treatment Instructions:

• wear support hose immediately and daily for a minimum of 3 to 5 days, morning until bedtime
• elevate legs for 10 minutes immediately following the injections then
• walk for 10 minutes immediately following
• remove cotton balls in 2 - 3 hours
• elevate your legs for 15 minutes 3 times daily for 3 days
• if legs are uncomfortable, walk for 20 minutes, then elevate
• drink 4 to 6 glasses of water daily