Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical agent into diseased veins. Theses veins typically are the smaller spider telangectasias (spider veins) or slightly bigger reticular veins and even some larger varicose veins. The agent is injected directly into the vein and causes damage to the lining of the vein which eventually causes the vein to completely disappear. Depending on the size of the vein, the solution can be agitated causing it to foam prior to injection. Foam sclerotherapy is very effective for some of the larger vessels.

At the Vein Care Institute we use only the latest agents for injection; those that have been clinically proven to be effective. Some agents used for injection in the past, such as saline, were not only painful but very ineffective in terms of the long term results. In addition, these agents if injected outside of the vein can cause skin ulceration in some patients. We have carefully chosen those agents which are very low risk and have extremely high efficacy. In addition, we adjust the concentration of the medication based on each individual patient.

The procedure is essentially pain free. We use extremely small needles for the injections. In fact, the 30 gauge needle we use is smaller than the needles that diabetics use to inject insulin. Due to the extremely small size of the needle, most patients do not feel the needle enter the vein. The solution itself does not cause any discomfort and the procedure is typically nearly painless.

Typically the veins which are visible represent the "tip of the iceberg". There are usually veins slightly deeper and somewhat bigger that are the actual source of the "spider veins" which are visible. Rather than simply injecting the unsightly veins which are visible, we strive to always address the actual source, or root of the problem. This not only results in much better long term results, the cosmetic benefit is improved as well. Usually this requires the use of the vein viewer. This allows us to see those veins not visible to the naked eye. These veins tend to be the actual culprit and if they are not treated, the end result will be sub-optimal.

Once the injections are complete compression stockings must be worn for two weeks. After the procedure there are no restrictions and any activities can be resumed.