Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce the appearance of varicose and spiders veins. The treatment involves directly injecting a solution, called tetradechol, into the damaged vein. This procedure can also help reduce pain and other side effects caused by the damaged veins. An estimated 20% of adults will suffer from varicose veins at some point in their lives. According to recent studies, more than 270,000 sclerotherapy procedures were performed in 2016.
The most common areas for varicose veins to develop are on your feet and legs. Depending on the size of the damaged veins, sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose and spider veins in the thighs, calves, ankles, feet, face, and anus. This procedure takes roughly 30 minutes and requires wearing stockings for several days following the treatment to optimize its effects. The number of treatments necessary varies based on the number of veins and their size. For the best results, sclerotherapy treatments are usually scheduled four to six weeks apart.
How successful is sclerotherapy?
Most patients have satisfactory results following their treatment plan. Some patients may notice that their legs look worse before they look better. This is common. Positive results are usually visible within 4 weeks following the first treatment.
What are the side effects?
As with any procedure, there is always the possibility of side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Stinging/itching
- Swelling
- Skin Discoloration
- Discomfort
- Raised red areas that appear around the injection sites
The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the course of the vein. This discomfort usually subsides within a few days. After the procedure, patients can wear stockings to minimize firmness. Also, trapped blood may cause a temporary discoloration.
Transient Hyperpigmentation: Approximately 20% of patients notice discoloration after treatment. However, this usually fades within 6 months. There is a 1% chance of hyperpigmentation continuing after one year. Patients frequently notice a brown discoloration, which fades in a couple of months – at most within a year.
If you’re interested in sclerotherapy treatment contact The Vein Centre, today and receive 10% off your first visit! 615-269-9007.
