Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

We treat spider veins (“superficial telangiectasias“) and reticular veins (1-2mm in size).

No. Larger varicose veins (>3mm) require micophlebectomy or foam sclerotherapy.

The number of treatments differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of spider veins present. One to six treatments may be needed; The average is three to four.

Most people treated will have “good results” (50-80% clearance); however, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Multiple sclerotherapy sessions are usually needed to achieve “good results.” It is not realistic to expect every vein to disappear completely, without a trace. Also, your body may produce new spider veins over time, and therefore you may need maintenance treatments in the future.

Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results (This means there is only minimal improvement after six treatments). In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

1. A slight burning sensation may be noted initially during injection along with some mild swelling / “hive -like” lesions. These will resolve spontaneously in 48 hours. An antihistamine such as Allegra or Zyrtec taken prior to the session may reduce this side effect.
2. Bruising: Lasts from 1-3 weeks. Use of support hose may be recommended. Avoidance of alcohol, vitamin E, fish oil, aspirin, and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil) 72 hours prior to sclerotherapy may minimize effect.
3. Transient Hyperpigmentation: Approximately 30% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure (but then go away). In rare instances, this darkening of the vein may persist for four to twelve months.
4. Pain. Some patients may experience mild stinging at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting from 1-7 days.

1. BLOOD ACCUMULATION IN TREATED VEIN/CLOT (THROMBOPHLEBITIS): This presents as a tender swelling just under the skin surface. This complication usually occurs 1-3 weeks after the sclerotherapy session. This may require drainage, compression stockings, frequent walking and NSAIDS. Temporary hyperpigmentation usually develops afterwards.
2. VENOUS/TELANGIECTATIC MATTING/ NEOVASCULARIZATION: This is a collection of fine blood vessels that form around the treated area. – This will often resolve within 3 to 12 months without specific treatment. If these persist, further investigation and other treatments (e.g. laser) may be needed. Risk factors for this complication include obesity, use of estrogen containing medications, pregnancy and family history of matting.
3. ANKLE SWELLING - rare but usually seen only when ankle veins are injected. This can last for weeks.
4. EXTREMELY RARE SIDE EFFECTS also include ULCERS (extraordinarily rare with Polidocanol), ANAPHYLAXIS/ SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS ULCERS (extraordinarily rare with Polidocanol), NERVE DAMAGE, WOUND INFECTION, DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS, ARTERIAL INJECTION, POOR WOUND HEALING, TISSUE DAMAGE, AND SCARRING.

• Pregnant or Nursing women
• History of any of the following:
  
  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Pulmonary Embolism
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Kidney or Liver disease
  • Severe varicose veins

Those patients with large varicose veins, symptomatic veins (achy legs, swelling, etc.), history of deep venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, and previous venous surgery should undergo vascular testing prior to sclerotherapy.

The main reason is because those people with more severe venous disease do not respond well to sclerotherapy unless deeper venous disease is properly addressed. Also, there may be increased risk of adverse reactions to sclerotherapy.

1. Bring a pair of gym shorts with you on the day of your appointment.
2. Try to avoid alcohol, vitamin E, fish oil, aspirin, and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil) 72 hours prior to sclerotherapy.
   • This is only intended to reduce the risk of bruising. These blood thinners will not reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or place you at risk for more severe side effects. You may still have your treatment performed even if you are taking these.
3. Be prepared to see minor bruising in treated areas as well as dark pigmentation that can last weeks to months.

In general sclerotherapy is well tolerated with very minimal discomfort. Tiny pinches may be felt as we use a small 32 gauge needle.

Icing and vibration may be used for those with a lower pain threshold.

Some patients pretreat with EMLA cream under occlusion with Saran Wrap. We are happy to provide a prescription for EMLA. Please note that EMLA must my applied One Hour before your appointment.

The legs will most definitely look worse before improvement is seen.

Transient hive like swellings are seen immediately after injection, lasting 30 minutes to several hours.

Varying degrees of bruising discoloration around the treated sites are common and resolve over a week.

You can stand up and walk around immediately after the procedure. It’s important to move your legs to prevent the formation of blood clots and maximize treatment results. Walking for 15 to 20 minutes after sclerotherapy may be beneficial to improving the sclerosis of the veins.

You may resume normal activity.
But, for 48 hours avoid:

• Hot baths, Whirpool or Saunas
• Very Strenous activity
• Long plane flights
• Sunbathing