What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a form of treatment for varicosities of the lower extremities which has specific indications. Sclerotherapy may be indicated for the treatment of unsightly varicosities (cosmetic) or to relieve pain or prevent the sequelae of varicose veins. The latter are therapeutic indications. Cosmetic treatment is for patients who seek to improve the appearance of their legs. It must be noted, that in a small percentage of patients, the injection treatment (sclerotherapy) of varicose veins of the lower extremities may produce brownish discoloration, skin blisters and other side effects.
Patients should bring in shorts and whenever possible, a pair of elastic stockings.
All patients must be screened before acceptance for sclerotherapy. Screening is performed by experienced staff physicians. This includes examination of the venous system of the lower extremities, using modern non-invasive technology. Patients with asthma, history of severe allergies, generalized diseases, obesity, and other conditions are not candidates for sclerotherapy. After evaluation, patients will be given an appointment to return for treatment. This is usually in the form of a block of four or five consecutive sessions. These blocks treatment are separated by periods of three to four months.
Patients accepted for sclerotherapy will receive injections of an approved FDA sclerotherapy agent (Sotradecol) in the varicose veins. Each patient will be positioned so that the extremities are easily accessible.
The sclerotherapy treatment is called compression-sclerotherapy. After the injections are completed, the extremities are wrapped (or an elastic stocking is applied) with Ace wraps. The elastic bandages must remain day and night for at least 72 hours in the case of small spider veins and for one week in the case of larger veins (3-6 mm in diameter). There is a variable degree of discomfort during the injection (a very fine No. 30 dental needle is utilized) and the vein will become inflamed and sore for a short period of time. Often a small amount of blood is trapped in the vein and it is advisable to have it removed during the following visit to prevent a brownish discoloration. Other adverse events may be skin blisters or skin slough. However, using the small concentrations of the substance, this event is extremely rare. If this occurs, please contact the attending physician immediately.