Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure for varicose and spider veins to improve the unsightly appearance of the veins by injecting a sclerosing solution directly into them.  The solution, sodium chloride, once it comes in contact with the veins acts as a shrinking agent significantly reducing the appearance of the vein through the skin.   It does this by irritating the walls of the vein causing them both to contract and to stick together.

The Sclerotherapy Procedure

The sclerotherapy procedure itself takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes and involves mixing a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) and a few other agents together into a very fine needle and injecting it directly into varicose and spider veins to contract the sides of the vessel.  The procedure is not ‘painful’ but some do report mild cramping when larger veins are injected.

Are There Side Effects To Sclerotherapy?

The most common side effect when injecting larger veins is a ‘lumpiness’ for a few months (before naturally settling out).  This normally only occurs with larger veins.  Other than that, some patients report small raised red areas at the injection site for a day or two after treatment but they resolve themselves without treatment.

Other less common side effects of sclerotherapy that should be reported immediately if they occur are:

• Groin inflammation within a radius of 5 inches
• Swollen leg
• Injection site ulcers
• Streaks of red anywhere near the groin area
• Allergic reactions.  If this happens it will occur at the time the sclerosing agent is injected

Are You a Candidate For Sclerotherapy?

Please consult with Dr. Heimer to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for sclerotherapy.  Certain medical conditions make you ineligible for sclerotherapy.

Conditions like

• pregnancy,
• breast feeding,
• those classified as ‘bedridden’

After child birth a woman must wait a minimum of 3 months before being considered for sclerotherapy.  In addition, Dr. Heimer will have to evaluate on a case-by-case basis the potential for future vein use.

For example, some veins are important for surgical bypass procedures and should not be injected with a sclerosing agent.

Contact our office to setup a consultation to see if sclerotherapy is right for you.