Sclerotherapy: The Procedure

Sclerotherapy is a technique, which involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution called a sclerosant, directly into the veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein wall to swell, which eventually seals off the blood vessel, preventing blood flow.
Prior to treatment, a complete medical history is taken and a thorough examination is done in order to determine, among other things, how long the problem has existed, the severity of the symptoms, whether or not the condition is affected by physical activity, and if there has been prior surgery or treatment of the veins. The physician determines if the deep venous system is affected, in which case surgery may be recommended before sclerotherapy is undertaken. Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs, which contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.

Larger veins (reticular veins) are usually treated first. After the skin is thoroughly cleansed with alcohol, the physician uses a syringe with a tiny needle to inject a small amount of sclerosing (hardening) solution directly into a vein.

The solution then causes the vessel to become irritated and swell shut, prohibiting the blood from reentering the vein. When the needle is withdrawn, pressure is immediately applied to the area. The skin may be kneaded to help disperse the solution and reduce bruising. Each vein may require several injections and most disappear in two weeks to two months.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound Guided Injections is the recommended treatment for your varicose veins. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy uses hi-tech ultrasound machines to provide a visual window to structures beneath the surface of the skin. These same machines, used to visualize diseased refluxing veins deep under the surface of the skin, can now enable doctors to safely and effectively treat the actual leaking vein causing varicose veins and spiders seen on the surface of the skin. By treating the underlying diseased veins, you may essentially be treating the veins responsible for severe cases of spider vines. This procedure requires medication to be administered by injection into precise locations viewed under ultrasound. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy gets to the source of the disease - the refluxing or leaking vein - and in doing so treats all types of diseased veins and spider veins more effectively.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy treatments are performed every two weeks. You will be required to wear surgical compression hose for 10-14 days after each treatment session.

When your treatments are completed, you will be scheduled to return for a final ultrasound to check the status of all treated areas. During this appointment, the doctor will scan your leg(s) to make sure the treated vessels are closed. At this time the doctor will release you from the medical aspect of your care and you may start cosmetic treatment for your spider veins.