Spider Veins Treatment

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a procedure which is used to eliminate spider veins.  Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (sclerovein 1%) directly into the vein. This solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel will turn into scar tissue that eventually fades from view.

Who is eligible for sclerotherapy?

Only those with no contraindicating medical conditions will be prescribed treatment. Spider veins can be caused by a backflow of pressure from underlying varicose veins, which may not be visible on the skin surface. To check for any potential problems, you will need to see one of our Varicose vein doctors and will likely need an ultrasound mapping scan of your leg(s). Treatment may be needed to deeper veins or varicose veins first, together with a recommended standdown period before any spider veins can be treated. It is important to perform the treatment in this order to minimise the risk of unwanted side effects such as leg vein matting and to ensure the treatment is as effective as possible.

 

How Sclerotherapy Is Done ?

During sclerotherapy, the sclerovein 1% is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein.  The procedure itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

The number of veins injected in per session will depend on the size and location of the vessels and the general medical condition of the patient.

Sclerotherapy is performed in the office by Dr Dilawar Singh and it requires that you should not do any aerobic activity for a few days after the procedure

 

Side effects and Possible side effects

• Immediately following treatment, the veins become irritated, raised and slightly itchy. The area treated will have a swollen appearance.

• Bruising at injection sites, which will settle in 2-4 weeks, as the treated veins are absorbed.

• The treated area will look bruised and worse for a few weeks, whilst the area settles.

• Uncommon, but transient increased pigmentation can occur from a pigment called hemosiderin being retained in the skin, at the injection site, or along the treated vein. This will normally fade over the next 3-6 months (in rare cases up to 12-18 months).

• Development of very fine new blood vessels, more common in women, those taking hormone medications and those aged over 50.

• Inflammation along the treated vein, in larger veins.

• Very rarely – ulceration of the injected area. • Very rarely – Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) blood clot in the deeper veins. • Very rarely – allergic reaction to the medication injected into the veins.

Aftercare instructions

• Compression stockings prescribed must be worn day and night for the first 3 days and nights after treatment (including in the shower and at nights). Following this, compression stockings must be worn for the following 4 days, in daytime only.

• Walk (non-strenuous) for 45 minutes every day for the next 2 weeks.

• Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks following treatment. • Areas of bruising or pigmentation should be protected from sunlight.

• No short haul air travel for 2 weeks after treatment, and no long haul for 4 weeks after treatment.

• For minor discomfort after treatment simple analgesia such as paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory medication is usually adequate. • Some patients can develop temporary welts after Microsclerotherapy and antihistamines can help settle these if required.

Costs of sclerotherapy

It starts at $300 minimum, with a maximum of $400, per session. There is also the cost of compression hosiery at the initial session which can range  from $40-$70.

 

What to Do Before Sclerotherapy

Prior to sclerotherapy, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines (including over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and herbs). Talk to your doctor if you need antibiotics before sclerotherapy. Do not apply any lotion to the legs before procedure.

Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications 24-48 hours before the procedure. Paracetamol should not effect the procedure.