Surface Sclerotherapy
Surface Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that eliminates spider and smaller varicose veins. This treatment involves a series of essentially painless injections directly into the unwanted veins causing them to collapse and ultimately get reabsorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard injection in varicose vein and spider vein treatment due to its safety and efficacy.
What does it looks like?
This video is an example of sclerotherapy for spider veins. A small needle is inserted into the vein, and the sclerosing agent is injected slowly, so that it can spread through the network of neighboring spider veins. The same procedure is done for bigger varicose veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES SCLEROTHERAPY WORK?
Sclerotherapy uses a sclerosing agent (Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate), which is injected directly into the visible vein. The solution seals the vein closed, so it collapses and the body can reabsorb it gradually. Over time, the vein disappears from view, and blood naturally reroutes to healthy veins nearby. The treatment does not require any anesthesia or downtime.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY?
You should be able to resume your regular schedule immediately following your sclerotherapy treatment. We do require our patients to wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks after treatment to promote healthy blood flow and ensure complete healing in the area. You might experience some tenderness and mild swelling around the injection sites for a day or two after your procedure, but it should not be enough to limit your activity level.
DO SCLEROTHERAPY INJECTIONS HURT?
Sclerotherapy is administered using a very fine needle that causes little, if any, discomfort. Some patients report a slight burning sensation as the solution goes into the vessel. However, the feeling typically lasts less than a minute. This treatment does not require any anesthesia and most patients tolerate the procedure well without the need for a topical numbing cream.
HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?
Since sclerotherapy eliminates the treated vein, it cannot return. However, you may develop other spider or varicose veins in the same area if there is an underlying condition present that is not treated. If you continue to see spider veins appear, it is a good idea to schedule an assessment with Dr. Yacob to determine whether there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed to ensure visible veins do not continue to appear.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
It takes some time for treated veins to be reabsorbed by the body, so you may not see positive results right away. Most patients see a full result within 3-6 weeks after treatment. Some patients might require a series of treatment sessions to eliminate all the veins.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Although sclerotherapy does not typically require any downtime afterward, there can be some mild side effects like redness, swelling, and bruising around the injection points. Most patients see these symptoms subside without intervention within a matter of days. Wearing compression stockings immediately following your treatment can also minimize side effects, even while promoting healthy blood flow and healing to the area.