Sclerotherapy: A Solution for Varicose and Spider Veins

Around 35% of people in the United States suffer from varicose veins, which can be large, bulging, or less prominent spidery veins in the legs. Thankfully, a minimally invasive treatment known as sclerotherapy, first introduced in the 1930s, can provide relief from this uncomfortable and unsightly condition. 

At Coastal Vascular & Interventional, we treat varicose veins and prevent vascular diseases from further damaging our patients’ health. Here is a closer look at sclerotherapy and treatment for varicose veins, the side effects and what to expect.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to eliminate spider veins, small varicose veins, and a few other conditions.

During the procedure, a small needle is carefully guided into the vein to inject a sclerosant, a chemical that causes the vein to collapse and stick together. This chemical is usually a salt solution. The blood from this vessel flows to other vessels, and over time, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades away.

The procedure is typically done in your doctor’s office as an outpatient treatment and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Usually, patients undergo about three rounds of treatments spread over three months. According to studies, the treatment is about 80% effective in treating varicose veins and can be used on younger and older patients.

Does Sclerotherapy Have Side Effects?

While sclerotherapy is generally considered safe, it may cause temporary or long-term side effects.

It is possible to experience the following side effects, although not everyone will:

• Bruising
• Skin discoloration
• Small red blood vessels
• Raised red areas
• Skin sores

The primary side effect of the procedure is typically temporary skin redness and inflammation.

Minor complications resulting from the injection are typically less visible than spider veins and usually resolve within a few days or weeks. Skin spotting or staining, which appears as small brown spots at the site of injection, may affect about 10% of patients in the long term. However, even if this occurs, it is likely to disappear after a year or so.

Are You a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

If you suffer from unsightly spider veins and have no chronic complicating conditions, you may be a candidate for sclerotherapy. In some cases, smaller varicose veins can also be treated with sclerotherapy. There is no age limit for receiving the treatment, but you should not have had any blood clotting issues in the past. 

It is best to avoid sclerotherapy if you have been pregnant in the past three months or have given birth. Additionally, it is important to be medically compliant and willing to follow your doctor’s recommendations to achieve the best results from the procedure.

 If you have any of the following conditions, you should avoid sclerotherapy, even though it is a safe treatment:

• Bedridden
• Pregnant or nursing
• Allergic to the sclerosing chemical (rare)
• Taking blood thinners
• Have heart conditions
• Have blood clot or inflammation issues

Spider veins can cause discomfort and embarrassment, especially in women. These issues mainly occur in the legs. However, sclerotherapy is an effective treatment that has been used for over 80 years and is highly safe.

Varicose and spider veins may occur for various reasons, including genetic factors, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a history of blood clots.

What to Expect with Sclerotherapy?

Your doctor will need to have a look at your medical history, which will include the following details, before giving you approval for the treatment:

• Any previous allergic reactions you may have had to medications.
• Any recent illnesses you have had or any illnesses in your family.
• A list of all the medications you are currently taking, especially blood thinners, herbal supplements, aspirin, Aleve, or any other prescription or over-the-counter supplements or drugs.

 Your physician will discuss the procedure with you and assess your veins and overall health. You may be asked to undergo an ultrasound of the veins of your legs, which is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to obtain an image of the inside structures.

Avoid shaving or applying lotion to your legs to prepare for the treatment. Additionally, wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.

Sclerotherapy Procedure Guide 

The sclerotherapy procedure itself is quick and performed without anesthesia. During the treatment, you will lie on your back. The nurse will sanitize the area to be treated before the doctor slowly inserts a small needle into the vein and administers the solution. 

You may experience a slight stinging or cramping sensation in the leg. Following the injection of the solution, the physician will compress and massage the area to disperse the fluid. If the doctor is treating another area, a compression pad may be placed on the treated area.

 Once the procedure is complete, you should have no difficulty standing up and getting dressed. You can leave the same day, but it is recommended that you wear a compression bandage or stocking for approximately two weeks to ensure that the veins are compressed as the solution works. 

During this time, it is a good idea to avoid any strenuous physical activity. Additionally, it is not advisable to sunbathe for the two weeks following the procedure. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment in a month to monitor your progress.

Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?

If you think varicose veins are causing problems for your health, you should discuss options with your doctor. 

Sclerotherapy is a great option for those who have been dealing with unsightly or uncomfortable spider or varicose veins, but it is not the only one. Patients with underlying medical conditions may not be good candidates for this highly effective treatment. 

It’s important to note that some spider veins may be too small for sclerotherapy, and many varicose veins may be too large. 

Sclerotherapy is less expensive and less invasive than cosmetic surgery, and it doesn’t require a hospital stay. Other treatments, such as compression hose, exercise, or changes to your diet, may help alleviate your symptoms. 

Next Steps with Varicose Vein Treatment 

At Coastal Vascular & Interventional, our team specializes in treating patients with spider and varicose veins and other venous disorders. We’re dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. Request an appointment to discuss options and see if sclerotherapy could help with your varicose veins.