Sclerotherapy is a technique used by plastic surgeons to treat spider veins, eliminating them, the associated symptoms can be also relieved, aching, burning, swelling and night cramps.

Spider veins (telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities) are small, thin veins close to the skin surface, they may be symptomatic or not.  Their development could be affected by heredity factors, pregnancy, hormonal shifts, weight gain, medications, occupation or activities to be sitting or standing for too long.  They usually appear in the legs but they can be also in the face.  Varicose veins are similar but not the same than spider veins, althought sclerotherapy could be used to treat this problem as well, usually surgical treatment is required for this condition.

In general you could be a good candidate for this procedure at any age, but you should pospone it if you are pregnant or nursing.  Sclerot herapy will enhance the appearence of the spider veins, but the vein wont dissapear completely, with each session the veins will appear lighter.  The treatment do not prevent further spider veins to appear.

Posible Complications

There is a risk of formation of blood clots in the veins, severe inflammation, adverse allergic ractions to the sclerosing solution and skin injury with permanent scar.  Also pigmentation irregularities could appear and could tak months to fade completely.

Red blood vessels could appear around the treated area requiring more injections.  A qualified and experienced surgeon and to follow his or her instructions properly should minimize the risk of complications.

Before Sclerotherapy

Your legs will be examined before the procedure, you will be also checked for more serious deep vein problems, usually indicated by swelling, sores or skin changes at the ankle.  A doppler ultrasound could be required for this purpose also.  If you suffer of these conditions you should be refered to another specialist for further evaluation and treatment before sclerotherapy.

Patients with hepatitis, AIDS or other blood borne diseases may not be candidates for sclerotherapy, either patients with circulatory problems, heart conditions or diabetes.

The Procedure

The technique is relatively simple and do not requires anesthesia, it is performed in an outpatient basis and is relatively quick, usually from 15 to 45 minutes.  First the skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution, thenthe injections with the sclerosing agent will start in the affected veins, it takes usually from 5 to 40 injections per treatment sessions, it could change according to each case. A cotton ball and compression tape is then applied to each area as it is finished.

You will be asked to change position a few times during the process, you could feel small needle sticks and maybe some mild burning sensations, but this is usually minimal.

The Results

Tight fitting support hose may be required to prevent blood clots and promote healing after the procedure.  The cotton balls can be removed after 48 hours but the support hose for several days.   You could feel some cramping in the legs but this usually does not require any medication. 

The results will be seen better after couple of days and the bruises will diminish in one month aproximately.  You should start normal activities as soon as you can to prevnt clots and other complications, avoid prolonget sitting and standing, squatting, heavy weight lifting and exercises as jogging.

Following sessions could be performed with intervals of one month.