Sclerotherapy, or injection therapy, is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the spider veins or larger varicose veins to cause their disappearance. Sclerotherapy is done in-office using small needles. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes, and can even be done during an office lunch break.
It is commonly used for cosmetic purposes but can also be used as treatment of symptomatic (painful) varicose veins. The treatment involves a series of injections of medication into the veins. When injected into the vein, the medication irritates the lining of the vein, making it sticky; the vein is then compressed with large pads to make the vein walls stick together. The needle used for the injections is very small. We use special magnifying glasses to ensure that the solution is kept in the vein - this is a must for good cosmetic results!
A variety of solutions are used to do sclerotherapy. The dosage is usually adjusted based on the size of the veins. There is a little sting associated with each injection, and the burning sensation lasts a few seconds. Most patients find the discomfort of treatment to be minimal. No surgical incisions are made and anesthesia is not necessary. When a problem vein is closed off via sclerotherapy, the blood will re-route through the normal veins and flow much more efficiently.
For more information regarding the solution used in our office, please call (310) 825-4357.
Although complications may occur with any medical treatment, sclerotherapy has a good safety record. A patient can resume most activities shortly after each session.
