Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating varicose veins and superficial telangiectasias (“spider veins”) in which a solution, called a sclerosing agent is injected into the veins and/or a laser is used to help eliminate the veins. Sclerotherapy has been safely and effectively performed for over 50 years. Multiple solutions have been used over the years. Currently, Polidocanol and Sotradecol are commonly used throughout the world. At this time, neither are FDA approved.

Does Sclerotherapy work for everyone?

The majority of persons who have sclerotherapy performed show improvement of their varicosities, or at least see some improvement. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have fair to poor results. (Poor results mean that the veins will not disappear and rarely even worsen.)

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve a condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of varicose or spider veins present. One to six or more treatments may be needed; the average is three or four.

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy are:

1. TRANSIENT HYPERPIGMENTATION: Approximately 5-10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. This usually fades in two to twelve months.

2. SLOUGHING: This occurs in less than 3% of patients who receive sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly. A blister may form, open, and become ulcerated. After healing, the skin should return to a normal color. You may have what looks like chicken pox or a vaccination scar.

3. ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Very rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used. This risk of allergic reaction is greater in patients who have a history of allergies.

4. PAIN: A few patients may experience moderate pain and bruising, usually at the site of injection. The veins may be tender to touch after treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This discomfort is temporary, in most cases lasting one to seven days.