Cosmetic Procedures: Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and has been in use since the 1930s.

How Will I Know if I am a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Prior to the procedure, you will have an initial consultation with a dermatologist or vascular medicine specialist who will advise you on your eligibility for sclerotherapy.

You are not eligible if you are pregnant or are bedridden. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the overall health of the area needing treatment as well as the reason for the clot.

Veins that are potentially usable for future surgical bypass procedures (i.e. use of the saphenous vein, a large vein in the leg used for coronary artery bypass graft surgery) will generally not be considered for sclerotherapy, unless they are already deemed unusable.

How Is Sclerotherapy Done?

In most cases, the salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. At this point, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping for one to two minutes, especially when larger veins are injected. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. You should plan to wear shorts during the injection.

The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.

Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor's office by a dermatologist or a surgeon and requires that you do not partake in any aerobic activity for a few days after the procedure

What You Need To Do Before the Procedure

Prior to vein injection, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines (including over the counter drugs, herbs and dietary supplements) you are taking. If you need to take an antibiotic before sclerotherapy, contact your physician. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure (tape will not stick).

Some physicians recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin and Nuprin) or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy. Tylenol, however, should not affect this procedure.

Could Sclerotherapy Cause Any Side Effects?

You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. There are milder effects, such as itching, which can last for one or two days after the procedure. Also, you may experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection side and can last several days or weeks.