In sclerotherapy, a special chemical (sclerosing) is injected into a varicose vein to damage and heal the internal lining of the vein. This causes the vein to close.

During this procedure, the affected leg is elevated to drain the blood, and the sclerosant is injected into the varix. The procedure is carried out in a doctor's office or clinic and lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on how many varicose veins are treated and how large they are.

After the administration of the sclerosing injection, pressure is applied to the veins to prevent the blood from returning when you stand up. You may have to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks to maintain the pressure.

Is sclerotherapy painful? This is usual question which patient asks to doctor. The injection of sclerotherapy can be painful, and the chemical (sclerosing) that is injected can cause a burning or cramping sensation for a few minutes in the area where the injection was applied. You may need several sessions and many injections in each session, depending on the extent of the varices and the type of sclerosing used.



What to expect after treatment

Sclerotherapy generally does not require any recovery period and is sclerotherapy safe. Yes it is completely safe. You can probably walk immediately after treatment. Avoid intense exercise for 1 week after the procedure. Walk every day for at least 10 minutes.

Avoid exposing your legs to the sun the first 2 weeks after the procedure.
You probably have to wear compression stockings for a short time after sclerotherapy.
Why is it done?

Sclerotherapy is used to treat:

The spider veins and small veins do not cause more serious problems.
Smaller varicose veins that reappear after a varicose vein removal operation.
Sclerotherapy can be done alone or as a follow-up to surgery.

Sclerotherapy should not be done if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Have a history of allergies to a sclerosant or similar substances.
You have blood clots or swelling in the deep veins of your legs.
Effectiveness

Sclerotherapy costs less than surgery, does not require a stay in the hospital and allows a quick return to work and normal activities. Also if you have health insurance then sclerotherapy cost covered by insurance.

Sclerotherapy can reduce symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. It gives results in about 80 of every 100 people. It does not give results in approximately 20 out of 100 people who undergo the procedure. note1

Risks

The risks of sclerotherapy include:

Changes in the colour of the skin along the treated vein. This coloration can take between 6 and 12 months to disappear. In some people, it may be permanent.
Failure of the treatment to prevent varicose veins from reappearing.
Scars resulting from ulcers or tissue death around the treated vein if sclerosing is injected out of a vein or if there is a sclerosing leak through the weakened vein wall.
A mild or severe reaction to the sclerosing agent.
Blood clots or damage to the deep venous system.
To think

If done for cosmetic reasons, sclerotherapy is not usually covered by health insurance.
If you consider sclerotherapy, you may want to ask yourself some questions about the treatment. These questions could include: How much experience does the doctor have with this particular treatment?