SCLEROTHERAPY

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to weaken and ultimately destroy unsightly leg veins, making legs look smoother and younger. It is the treatment of choice for most patients with this problem. The procedure has been used for the past 60 years and involves the injection of a small amount of a solution into unwanted spider veins, which causes irritation to the lining inside the vein, ultimately dissolving it. It is then reabsorbed by the body.

The procedure

Sclerotherapy of spider veins is a relatively simple procedure that requires no anesthesia. First, a consultation with Dr. Luna is scheduled. She will take a generalized health history and perform a detailed examination of the legs. Once the examination is completed, Dr. Luna will make a specific treatment plan of injection therapy, compression stockings, and combination therapy involving the use of lasers. A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting 30 minutes. After changing into shorts, your legs may be photographed for your medical records. Your legs will then be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Dr. Luna will systematically inject a tiny amount of hypertonic saline, a highly concentrated sterile salt water, into the varicose veins. The product contains no preservatives or chemicals to which anyone can become allergic or have a bad reaction. Special needles and syringes are used to ensure a precise injection. A cotton ball and compression tape is applied to each area of the leg as it is finished. When all veins that can be injected are treated, special dressings and a pressure gradient stocking are placed over the treated legs. Post treatment instructions are given and you are sent home. We advise that you take a brisk 20 minute walk immediately following the session to prevent clots from forming in the deep veins of the legs.

What to expect

There may be a slight burning and stinging sensation during the injections. However, discomfort is minimal because the needles used are very small. Some patients complain about leg cramps either during the procedure or later that day. You can alleviate any discomfort with Tylenol. Sclerotherapy is usually not covered by medical insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. You should expect to look worse when you leave the office than when you arrived. The injection sites will often be puffy, bruised , and possibly tender for several days. You should not have this procedure done just before a tropical vacation or attending a social event requiring a short skirt. Some of the vessels will disappear immediately, but most of them will take 2 to 6 weeks to fade. Certain vessels may not respond to sclerotherapy and can usually be treated with one of our lasers. The combination of these therapies can provide a pleasing cosmetic outcome and may also improve lower extremity circulation.

Who is not a good candidate for sclerotherapy?

Those who should avoid the procedure include diabetics, patients with blood-borne infections such as hepatitis or AIDS, and those with known circulatory problems. If you are pregnant, we recommend that you wait a minimum of 6 months after your delivery before you schedule your procedure.

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