Treatment time: 30 mins

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is used to treat both varicose and spider veins. During the procedure, a tiny needle is used to inject the affected veins with a medication that makes surface veins invisible. Sclerotherapy works for most patients, and can help people deal with unsightly veins at an early stage.

For some patients, several sclerotherapy sessions are required to obtain a desired effect. However, this is entirely dependent upon the type and number of veins being treated. Fortunately, normal activities can usually be resumed after sclerotherapy.

The sclerotherapy procedure is relatively quick and usually lasts less than one hour. Once you are comfortable on the examination table your doctor or nurse will use one hand to stretch the skin of the area taut while injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins with the other. When the procedure is completed, a cotton ball and compression tape is applied to the treated area and you will be sent on your way.

Your doctor will provide you with specifics, but most patients are instructed to wear the tape and cotton ball dressing for about 48 hours after their procedure. A compressive/vascular stockings is also worn for 5-7 days. Some patients may experience some cramping in the legs for a day or two after sclerotherapy and the treated veins will be bruised when the dressings are removed. However, over time any bruising and altered pigmentation will fade and the end result will be an improvement over your original condition.