Sclerotherapy for Spider and Varicose Veins
For almost 80 years, sclerotherapy has been used to reduce the size and visibility of varicose veins and spider veins. With this treatment, your Laser and Vein Center phlebologist uses a tiny needle to inject a solution such as sodium tetradecyl sulfate (sotradecol) or a mixture of sodium chloride, lidocaine, and heparin into the vein. The solution irritates the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually disappear.
Sclerotherapy sessions are about 15 to 20 minutes long and several sessions may be required depending on the size of the veins or the area to be treated. Sessions are spaced about four weeks apart to give the treated areas time to heal. Patients experience minimal discomfort both during and after the procedure. With larger veins, patients sometimes feel a mild cramping feeling for a couple of minutes following the injection.
Results to Expect from Sclerotherapy
Results from sclerotherapy are usually very good with between 50-80% of injected veins completely disappearing. It may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of sclerotherapy to be evident on spider veins and longer to see results for larger veins. Although veins that disappear will not come back, other veins may become visible in the same area and future "touch up" sessions may be necessary.
Treating all Phases
of Vein Disease
- Bulging Veins
- Leg pain and aching
- leg swelling
- Skin Changes
- Leg Ulcers
- Restless Legs
- Night cramps
- Neuropathy