Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection procedure to treat thread veins. The procedure involves injection of a sterile solution (called a sclerosing solution) into the small veins using a very fine needle. This solution irritates the vein lining causing it to undergo fibrosis and eventually disappear. Many veins are injected at each session. The amount of sclerotherapy treatments required varies from individual to individual but typically 2-4 treatments are required for the best results. In patients with a few veins, 1-2 sessions will suffice. More treatments are required where veins are more numerous and extensive.

There is a little sting associated with each injection which lasts few seconds. The majority of patients claim that the procedure is much less than painful than they anticipated.

Almost anyone with unwanted spider veins can be treated, except women who are pregnant or nursing. Other relative contraindications include those with skin infections, uncontrolled diabetes, fever, history of deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy those patients’ taking corticosteroids.

There is some mild pain which can easily be overcome with paracetamol or ibuprofen. The injected site will appear bruised and swollen for a few days. Many practitioners advise the use of compression stockings or bandages after treatment to minimise bruising and maximise the benefit of treatment. The bruising usually disappears in 2-3 weeks. Most patients can resume their normal activities soon after treatment.

Sclerotherapy leads to few side effects other than a little discomfort and some bruising. Severe allergic reactions are rare. A few people may develop intense itching at the site of injection.