Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy

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SCLEROTHERAPY or Leg Vein Therapy is a treatment we recommend to anyone who suffers from telangiectasias, more familiarly known as spider veins, varicosities, broken capillaries or sunburst vessels.

Before		After

This condition is most commonly found on the thighs, around the knees, on the calves and/or on the ankles. These veins do not serve a purpose, so they can be removed without posing any health risks.

Before		After

How is Sclerotherapy Done?
Sclerotherapy requires repeated injections of a solution into the veins. It irritates the vein lining and the vein will eventually dissolve. This procedure is generally performed on the lower extremities, chest, and back. To achieve satisfactory results, several therapy treatments are required to be performed over a period of a few sessions. The unattractive veins will begin to disappear within several weeks following the treatment, but may take up to several months. This process may need to be repeated, depending on the degree of severity. Varicose veins which may need to be treated may be red, pink, violet or blue in color.

Side Effects
Most patients are satisfied with the results of sclerotherapy. Complications are unusual, but may include reddish blotches or pigmentation or discoloration -- most of which will disappear within six to twelve months following procedure.

PATIENT PRE AND POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Two days prior to treatment, please avoid:
  • Aspirin or other blood thinning drugs (e.g. Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba) and Arthritis medicine (e.g. Ibuprofen) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications may increase bruising.
  • Consumption of Alcohol and Smoking.
    These activities may impair healing.
• Do not apply any creams, lotions, oils, or self-tanners to your legs on the night prior to the procedure
• Eat a light meal or snack one and a half (1 1/2) hour before your appointment
• Bring loose fitting shorts or a leotard to wear during the procedure, and a long skirt or long loose fitting slacks to wear after the procedure
• If you are taking birth control pills or estrogen, please inform us about it.

Post-Treatment Instructions

• Immediately following your procedure, you may be required to put on support hose and walk for 10 to 30 minutes
  -- make sure to have loose fitting slacks/skirt and comfortable walking shoes with you
• Taped compression pads/cotton balls are gently removed 24 to 48 hours following the procedure (your sclerotherapist will discuss the exact time with you)
  -- **If you notice a developing tape allergy (redness or rash) remove tape and put on support stockings
• If you remove the tape prior to 24 hours, try to wear support hose (you may cut the feet off only if sclerotherapy has not been performed on the ankles)
• Maintain normal activities. You are encouraged to walk as much as possible and to avoid standing in the same position for prolonged period of time
• Avoid strenuous physical activities, such as high-impact aerobics, running, weight lifting, for the first 48-72 hours following treatment
• Avoid hot baths for 2 weeks; Cool your legs with cold water after each shower
• Avoid sunbathing and ultraviolet exposure for at least one week following treatment
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for 48 hours following treatment
• Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.) for 24-48 hours following treatment
• Should you experience any redness or a small lump, use warm compresses several times a day
• Apply Polysporin Ointment (NOT Neosporin) to any exposed areas, along with warm compresses
• It is advised to avoid flying for 48 hours after Sclerotherapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you use a local anesthetic?
No local anesthetic is used because those injections tend to be more painful than the sclerotherapy injections. The needle used to inject the solution is very small.

I am afraid of needles; can this be done under general anesthesia?
This procedure is not performed under anesthesia unless done in combination with a surgical procedure such as vein ligation and stripping. If need may be a local ointment producing superficial skin anaesthesia can be apply.

How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes about 30 minutes depending on how many veins are treated.

What kind of dressing is used?
A thigh-high compression stocking is applied to each treated leg after the injections and is worn for 1-3 weeks, depending on the size of the vessels treated. This can not be removed during prescribed weeks, not even for a shower. Garbage bags or cast shower bags purchased from medical supply stores can be worn for showering or a sponge bath may be taken.

Can I drive myself home?
You should be able to drive home after the treatment.

Do I need to take days off from work?
You may want to take the day of treatment off to keep your legs elevated but should be able to return to work the next day. Exercise is limited due to the need to wear the compression stocking for so long. You would want to avoid perspiring in the stocking to avoid itching and odor.