VEIN TREATMENTS
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure offered by vein specialists to treat unsightly or uncomfortable spider veins and varicose veins. If you’re considering improving the appearance of your legs or alleviating symptoms such as swelling or pain, this guide will walk you through the process of how sclerotherapy works for both conditions.
At Carolina Vein Care, you can expect customized sclerotherapy treatment plans to help you achieve healthier, more confident legs.
This sclerotherapy guide is divided into two main sections to provide clear information about how sclerotherapy is used for different vein conditions, 1. Spider Veins (often sought for cosmetic reasons), and 2. Varicose veins (typically treated to address both aesthetic concerns and physical symptoms).
Video: Sclerotherapy Treatment
Table of Contents
Sclerotherapy Overview
Sclerotherapy can effectively treat 50% to 80% of damaged veins with each session, while fewer than 10% of patients report no improvement in their condition. For patients suffering from spider veins and varicose veins, it can alleviate pain, significantly reduce swelling, and promote circulation. By lessening swelling, it can also eliminate unsightly bulging of the veins against the skin.
While most spider vein cases respond well to sclerotherapy, some patients may require multiple rounds of treatment before seeing improvement. If pain and inflammation remain after three to four weeks, another injection may be necessary.
Why Choose Sclerotherapy
As a noninvasive procedure, sclerotherapy carries fewer complications than a more invasive alternative, but some patients may experience some minor side effects. The most common include pain, itching, bruising, and inflammation at the site of the injection, but slight discoloration of the skin and hives are possible in some cases. Most of these symptoms should not last for much longer than several days.
Post-Treatment Tips
An important precaution after a sclerotherapy treatment session is avoiding intense, direct sun exposure of the treated area for two weeks. Use of sunscreen and clothing that cover the treated areas are generally sufficient, but if you are planning that summer beach vacation, you might want to have the sclerotherapy a few weeks before you go or after you return.
Video: Varicose & Spider Vein Care
Sclerotherapy Photos Before & After
Actual patient results at Carolina Vein Care.
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, thin veins that appear just beneath the skin’s surface, typically in the legs or on the face. These veins are often red, blue, or purple and form web-like patterns, giving them their name. While they don’t usually cause serious health concerns, some individuals experience mild discomfort, such as itching or a burning sensation, especially if the veins grow in number. However, the primary reason people seek treatment for spider veins is to improve their appearance.
How Does Sclerotherapy Treat Spider Veins?
Sclerotherapy is a highly effective way to treat spider veins, offering both cosmetic improvement and relief from minor discomfort. The treatment involves injecting a specialized solution, known as a sclerosant, directly into the affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the walls of the veins, causing them to collapse and close off. Over the following weeks, the body naturally absorbs these veins, and their appearance fades. Depending on the number of spider veins, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the best results.
The Procedure: What to Expect with Spider Vein Sclerotherapy
- Initial Consultation: At your first visit to Carolina Vein Care, a specialist will evaluate your spider veins. This assessment will involve a visual examination and possibly also ultrasound imaging to check the health of your veins and determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
- During the Treatment: The treatment is quick and minimally invasive, taking around 15-30 minutes per session. Using a fine needle, the sclerosant solution is injected into the affected veins. You may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation, but the discomfort is usually very mild.
- Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, you’ll need to wear compression stockings to support the healing process. You will wear the stockings for anywhere from two days to a week depending on the procedure performed. These stockings help ensure that the veins close properly and promote blood flow through healthier veins. Walking is encouraged immediately after treatment, but avoid direct, intense sun exposure (such as sun bathing) on the treated areas for up to 2 weeks to prevent pigmentation changes. Results typically begin to show within a few weeks, although full effects may take up to a few months.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
- Cosmetic Improvement: Sclerotherapy effectively reduces the appearance of spider veins, giving your skin a smoother, more even tone.
- Minimally Invasive: No surgery or anesthesia is required, making the procedure relatively simple with minimal recovery time.
- Quick Recovery: You can return to normal activities almost immediately, although you’ll need to follow post-treatment care instructions to ensure the best results.
- High Success Rate: Most patients experience significant improvement after one or two sessions, with 50-80% of treated veins fading after each session.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Bruising and Mild Discomfort: It’s common to experience some bruising or slight soreness at the injection site. These side effects usually resolve within a week.
- Temporary Pigmentation Changes: In some cases, patients notice temporary darkening of the treated veins, especially if they expose the area to sunlight soon after treatment. Wearing sunscreen or covering the area with clothing can help prevent this.
- Allergic Reactions: Rarely, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosant solution. If you have known allergies, be sure to discuss them with your vein specialist during the consultation.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are larger, twisted, bulging veins that usually appear on the legs. These veins occur when the valves inside the veins malfunction, causing blood to pool in the legs. This leads to vein enlargement, resulting in visible bulging veins that can cause aching, throbbing, and swelling. Left untreated, varicose veins can sometimes lead to more serious complications, such as ulcers, skin injury, or blood clots.
How Does Sclerotherapy Treat Varicose Veins?
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option for small to medium-sized varicose veins. For larger varicose veins, your doctor may recommend other treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), or phlebectomies. However, sclerotherapy can still be used to successfully treat smaller varicose veins by injecting the sclerosant solution into the problematic veins, causing them to collapse. When sclerotherapy is performed for larger veins it is often injected as a foam using ultrasound guidance. The “foam” is a mixture of the sclerosant agent mixed with medical-grade C02 gas. The foam mixture helps displace the blood from the treated veins to maximize the effectiveness. Over time, the body absorbs these veins, and blood is redirected to healthier veins.
The Procedure: What to Expect with Varicose Vein Sclerotherapy
- Initial Consultation: Your vein specialist at Carolina Vein Care will conduct a thorough evaluation of your varicose veins. This may include an ultrasound exam to map out the problematic veins and understand the extent of your venous insufficiency.
- During the Treatment: Treating varicose veins with sclerotherapy is similar to treating spider veins, although the procedure may take longer due to the larger size of the varicose veins. (Omit part about stronger concentration) Treatment sessions last between 15 to 30 minutes in most cases.
- Post-Treatment Care: Compression stockings are essential after varicose vein treatment to ensure that the veins collapse fully and heal properly. You’ll also be encouraged to walk regularly to keep blood flowing through the healthier veins. Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least a week to allow your legs to recover. – OMIT. I don’t do this. I think it is a myth. While you’ll begin to notice improvements in the appearance and symptoms of your varicose veins within a few weeks, full results may take several months.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
- Relieves Symptoms: Sclerotherapy doesn’t just improve the appearance of varicose veins; it also relieves symptoms such as aching, swelling, and heaviness in the legs. This can significantly improve your day-to-day comfort and quality of life.
- Non-Surgical Option: For patients who prefer a non-invasive treatment, sclerotherapy offers an alternative to surgery or laser treatments.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to work and daily activities on the same day, although you may need to limit intense physical activity for a short period.
- Long-Term Results: Sclerotherapy provides lasting relief from treated varicose veins, although it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow your specialist’s advice to prevent new veins from forming.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Phlebitis: In rare cases, inflammation of the treated vein, known as phlebitis, may occur, causing redness and discomfort. This can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and compression therapy.
- Blood Clots: There’s a small risk of blood clots forming in the treated veins, which can be a more serious complication. Be sure to follow all post-treatment care instructions and monitor your legs for any signs of blood clots.
- Skin Ulcers: Very rarely, patients may experience skin ulcers at the injection site, which can occur if the sclerosant leaks into the surrounding tissue.
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Legs at Carolina Vein Care
If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your legs and relieve the symptoms of varicose or spider veins, schedule a consultation with the board-certified physician vein specialists at Carolina Vein Care. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and ensures the best possible outcome.
Call Carolina Vein Care at (864) 610-1947 or visit us at 2817 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC. We proudly serve Simpsonville, Greenville, and the surrounding areas, helping patients achieve smoother, healthier-looking legs.
Other Vein Treatments
Want to learn more or ready to schedule? Call us at 864-610-1947 to book a consultation today.
