Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the procedure used to treat unwanted small vessels, called spider veins, usually found on the legs and thighs. A solution is injected into the vein using a very small needle. This sclerosing substance causes the vein to turn white and gradually disappear. Multiple veins can be injected during one appointment; however, if the affected area is extensive, an individual may wish to complete treatment in multiple sessions. Although laser treatments for spider veins are being used in some cases, the consensus of many experts is that sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment available.
Sclerotherapy Testimonial
For years, Gwyn, a recent patient of Aubrey Harman, APRN, at Vascular Specialists of Central Florida, noticed she had black and blue lines running down her legs. Spider veins are often red, black, blue, or purple in color and are usually found on the lower legs. After Gwyn’s treatment, she is now comfortable with wearing capris and shorts again.
What Happens During Sclerotherapy?
Varicose veins are larger and in some cases can be treated successfully with sclerotherapy. However, depending on the size and condition of the vein(s) individuals with varicose veins may be referred to a vascular surgeon for treatment. Spider veins on the face (facial capillaries) are not treated with sclerotherapy.
Response to Sclerotherapy is very positive, with most patients achieving a 50-90% correction of spider veins. It is important to emphasize that complete disappearance of the vessels is gradual. In some cases, veins may reappear, or a new vein may occur in the same area. A spider vein may be re-injected after a period of time.
Varicose veins are very common. About 15% of men and most older women have varicose or spider veins.
Side Effects of Sclerotherapy
The possibility of reversible side effects includes:
- Stinging or pain at the site of injection, usually subsiding in 10-15 minutes after treatment
- Bruises at the injection point
- Inflammation of treated vessels
- Lumps in injected veins, particularly larger ones
- Brown pigment lines (iron storing) which remain for as long as 12 months
- Superficial ulcerations due to vessel breakdown (rare)
Sclerotherapy Instructions
At Vascular Specialists of Central Florida, we recommend you come into the office for a scheduled consultation prior to your sclerotherapy session. During this consultation it will be determined if you are a candidate for sclerotherapy, and if so, all of your questions regarding the procedure will be answered at this time. This way, when you come for your session, time will not be taken away from your appointment discussing the procedure. The average cosultation lasts approximately 15 minutes. Sclerotherapy sessions can be scheduled for 1/2 hour or 1 hour, as desired.
Pre- and post- procedure instructions are available by clicking the following links:
Please be advised we try to stay on time for our sclerotheapy appointments. Arriving late will limit the time of your treatment. Your treatment will end on time so the next client will not be delayed. The full value of your treatment will be charged. If you reschedule or cancel your appointment, please notify the practice at least 24 hours in advnace to avoid being charged the full service fee. Please be advised we do not perform sclerotherapy on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Before and After Photos
FAQs
Overall, people tend to find sclerotherapy sessions here relaxing and enjoyable!
You can consider purchasing Arnica gel and begin applying it to the areas you wish to have treated beginning three days prior to your session.
This is a natural anti-inflammatory and may help to decrease any irritation associated with the sclerotherapy injections. Also it is recommended you not apply any type of lotion, cream, or self-tanner to the treatment areas the night before or day of your treatment.
You may also consider avoiding any blood thinning medications beginning 3 days prior to the procedure if possible.
Yes. Sclerotherapy is not recommended for the face or feet. However, if you have a bothersome vein on another part of the body, feel free to come in for a consultation to determine if it is likely to respond well to sclerotherapy.
It is strongly encouraged you wear a prescription strength (at least 15-20mmhg) compression stocking over the treated areas virtually continuously for 72 hours after the procedure and then during the day for the next 2-3 weeks. This is not absolutely required; however it has been shown to enhance the cosmetic result.
Stockings are available for purchase at our office.
You will be given a detailed list of restrictions during your consultation, however in general the post-procedure restrictions are minimal. You will be asked to refrain from very strenuous, high intensity exercise for a couple of days after the procedure. You will also be encouraged to keep chemicals such as chlorine and self-tanner off of you legs.
It is also not advisable to soak your legs in hot water for a couple of weeks after the procedure.
This varies. Some people have a moderate amount of bruising and some people barely have any. It is practical, however to assume you will have some bruising and not schedule your sclerotherapy session right before an event during which you would like show your legs.
This varies. Some people have a moderate amount of bruising and some people barely have any. It is practical, however to assume you will have some bruising and not schedule your sclerotherapy session right before an event during which you would like show your legs.
Patients always say “it did not hurt nearly as much as I expected it to!!”. The needle is very fine. The sensation is probably best compared to an ant bite.
While some people are very happy with the results of one session, it generally takes an average of 2-4 sessions to achieve the desired results. Veins often need to be injected more than once to completely fade.
Sclerotherapy is considered an outpatient procedure, meaning you can leave the office the same day of the treatment. You will be able to walk immediately after treatment. After the first day or two following treatment, you may experience some bruising and tenderness. This discomfort is only temporary, and usually medication is not needed.
Patients are considered good candidates when they match the following criteria:
- In good overall health
- Realistic about expectations
- Comfortable following pre- and post-operative care instructions