What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat spider veins and reticular veins. During sclerotherapy, the physician injects a solution directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

How successful is sclerotherapy in treating spider veins?

Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. It is estimated that between 50 and 80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each session. A few people who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all.

In general, spider veins respond to treatment in 3 to 6 weeks, and larger veins respond in 3 to 4 months. If the veins respond to the treatment, usually they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time. If needed, you may return for injections.

What to do before the procedure?
Before the sclerotherapy please:

• Avoid Tetracycline / Minocin – both may possibly cause a staining of the skin if taken within 10 days
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours before and after sclerotherapy, because these medications may interfere with the action of the sclerosing agent or increase bleeding. Tylenol is permitted. Ask your doctor for specific guidelines before discontinuing any medication.
• Avoid Prednisone – which makes the sclerosing agent less effective. Ask the doctor who prescribed your prednisone if it can be safely discontinued for 48 hours before the sclerotherapy procedure.

What do I do after the treatment?

• After the treatment you may resume your regular activities and are encouraged to walk.
• Wear compression hose or tight leggings for 2-3 days continuously, then for 2-3 weeks during the daytime if possible.
• For 2-3 days avoid: heavy exercise, sunbathing, long plane flights, hot tubs or sauna, sun exposure, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications. Tylenol may be used if needed.

What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?
Side effects of sclerotherapy may include the following:

• Larger injected veins may become lumpy or hard for several months before getting better.
• Raised, red areas may appear at the injection sites and should disappear within a few days.
• Brown lines or spots on the skin may be seen at the site of the injection, possibly caused by a form of iron that escapes from the blood in the injected veins. In most cases, they disappear within 3 to 6 months, but about 5% of the time they can be permanent.
• Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last several days or weeks.
• Temporary tiny blood vessels may develop at the treated area. This is called revascularization. They may appear days or weeks after the procedure but should fade within a few months and usually do not require further treatment.
• Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent may occur at the time of the injection and are rarely serious. Symptoms include itching and swelling.

Other side effects rarely develop after sclerotherapy:

• Sudden appearance of a swollen leg.
• Raised, red areas may appear at the injection sites and should disappear within a few days.
• Red streaking or swelling, especially within five inches of the groin.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 941.264.1161 and one of our nurses will be glad to assist you.