Sclerotherapy

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Vein Procedures > Laser, Sclerotherapy, Micro Incision, Support Stockings, Ultra Sound

Answers to your questions about SCLEROTHERAPY

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a popular method for eliminating varicose veins & superficial telangiectasia (spider veins) in which a solution, called a sclerosing agent, is injected into the veins.

Does sclerotherapy work for everyone?

The majority of people who have sclerotherapy will be cleared or at least see good improvement. There is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results (“poor results” means the veins have not totally disappeared after 6 treatments). In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed to clear to improve the condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of varicose & spider veins present. 1 to 6, or more, treatments may be needed; the average is 3 to 4. Individual veins usually require 1 to 3 treatments.

What are the most common side effects?

• ITCHING - depending on the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. Usually this lasts for 1 to 2 hours, but may persist for a day or so.
   
• TRANSIENT HYPERPIGMENTATION - Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy, notice discoloration (light brown streak) after treatment. In almost every patient the veins become darker immediately after the procedure. In rare instances, this darkening of the vein persists for 4 to 12 months.
   
• SLOUGHING - Occurring in less than 1% of the patients, sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly after 1 to 2 months. A blister may form, open & become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal color. This occurrence usually represents injection into or near a small artery & is not preventable.
   
• ALLERGIC REACTIONS - Very rare, a patient may have a mild to serious allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients with a history of allergies.
   
• PAIN - A few patients experience moderate to severe pain & some bruising, usually at the injection site.
   
• TELANGIECTATIC MATTING - This refers to the development of new tiny blood vessels in the foot or ankle. It usually resolves in a few days & is lessened by wearing the prescribed foot stockings.
   
• ANKLE SWELLING - Ankle swelling may occur after treatment of blood vessels in the foot or ankle. It usually resolves in a few days and is lessened by wearing the prescribed support stockings.
   
• PHLEBITIS - Phlebitis is a very rare complication, seen in approximately 1 out of every 1000 patients treated for varicose veins greater than 3 to 4 mm in diameter. The possible dangers of phlebitis include the possibility of a pulmonary embolus (a blood clot in the lungs) & post phlebitis syndrome, in which the blood clot is not carried out of the legs, resulting in permanent swelling of the legs.

Are there other types of procedures to treat varicose veins & telangiectasia? What are their side effects?

Because varicose & telangiectatic leg veins are not life threatening conditions, treatment is not mandatory in every patient. Some patients may get adequate relief of symptoms from wearing graduated support stockings. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure in which certain types of veins can be removed through small surgical incisions. The complications of this procedure in which certain types of veins can be removed through small surgical incisions. The complications of this procedure are similar to those of sclerotherapy with the addition of small surgical scars that naturally occur with this procedure.

Vein stripping &/or ligation may also be used to treat large varicose veins. This procedure may require a hospital stay & usually is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. A risk of vein stripping & or ligation include permanent nerve emboli, infection & permanent scarring. General anesthesia has some associated serious risks.

Preparing for your procedure

Before your appointment:

• For best results, stay out of the sun & use a 30+ SPF sunscreen
   
• If taking birth control pills or hormones, inform the doctor PRIOR to your treatment.
   
• 3 days before your appointment - stop taking aspiring, blood thinners, ibuprofen & NSAIDS
   
• 2 days before your appointment - Do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke (may impair healing)
   
• Obtain anesthetic cream. It can be purchased through our office or we can give you a written prescription.

The day of your appointment:

• Shower & wash your legs thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Do Not apply any creams or lotions to your legs other than the prescribed anesthetic cream.
   
• Apply anesthetic cream to the area of your leg to be treated 1 1/2 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Apply the cream heavily to the area to be treated & wrap the leg with plastic wrap.
   
• Wear loose fitting shorts or bring a pair with you to change into.
   
• Bring your compression stockings with you or make sure they are available to be purchased.

Post-Procedure Instructions

After your appointment:

• You will have cotton balls held with tape over the treated areas. You may removed the tape and cotton balls 3 hours after your procedure (roll stocking down, remove cotton balls & tape & roll the stockings back up)
   
• You will be wearing compression stockings immediately after your treatment. Continue wearing the stockings for 48 hours after your procedure (you may remove the stockings after the 48 - hour period.
   
• When in the sun, keep the area(s) treated covered with clothing &/or a total sun block (which can be purchased in our office).
   
• Maintain normal activities the day after your treatment .
   
• Walk at least one hour daily .
   
• Avoid standing for long periods of time .
   
• Avoid hot baths for 2 weeks. Cool your legs with cold water after each shower.
   
• Avoid strenuous physical activities for 6 weeks (such as high impact aerobics or weight lifting)
   
• If you notice any blistering &/or crusting (scabs) do not pick at them! Picking can increase scarring.

Call our office at (941) 907-3400 if there are any signs of infection, severe redness, swelling &/or drainage of the treated areas.

Call today for more information: (877) 414 -8346

Source: Text: Erasers Inc.

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