SCLEROTHERAPY®

What is Sclerotherapy®?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves the injection of a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.  Generally, spider veins respond to sclerotherapy in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months.

Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy and is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:

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  • Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter)

  • Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins

Before & After

BEFORE TREATMENT

AFTER TREATMENT

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*Individual results may vary. Unretouched photos of actual patient.

*Individual results may vary. Unretouched photos of actual patient.

Am I a good candidate?

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A consultation with our team in San Ramon, Ca, is the best way to determine if you could benefit from either of these removal procedures. They will be able to give you feedback about your skincare concerns as well as determine which of these removal methods is best for you and your goals.

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It is important to remember that results will vary with all procedures.

What conditions does sclerotherapy treat?

 

Sclerotherapy is most often used to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are also known as chronic venous insufficiency.

Varicose veins occur when the veins swell and bulge, usually in the legs. This is due to weak vein walls that, in turn, weaken the vein valves. As a result, blood pools up the veins, causing them to swell and look different.

Varicose veins may be painful and can cause skin issues, including rashes. By shrinking the veins, sclerotherapy reduces the effects of vein damage, making varicose veins less visible and less painful.

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Sclerotherapy is also used to treat some other conditions, including:

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  • Malformed lymph vessels. These are vessels that carry lymphatic fluid or lymph, which helps the immune system fight infections.

  • Hemorrhoids. Sclerotherapy may be used when other treatments fail. Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels, surrounding the rectum, swell and become irritated, causing pain and making bowel movements uncomfortable.

  • Hydroceles. A hydrocele is an unhealthy development of fluid in a body cavity. Hydroceles are common in the testicles.

When to consider sclerotherapy

 

Not everyone who has spider veins or another condition that can be treated with sclerotherapy needs to have the procedure. People should discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their doctor to decide if it is necessary.

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Other treatments may be more affordable and less invasive. Hemorrhoids, for example, often respond well to nonprescription treatments. This can include lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and not straining when having a bowel movement.

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People with spider veins should consider sclerotherapy when:

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  • the veins are painful

  • the legs are sore or feel heavy

  • the skin on the legs or feet is patchy or dry

  • there is a rash near the veins

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure performed to eliminate spider or varicose veins. During the sclerotherapy procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the problem veins. This solution causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein, ultimately causing it to collapse. Over time, the treated vein fades is absorbed and fades away enough to not be seen.



Who Is A Good Candidate For A Sclerotherapy Procedure?

In general, the sclerotherapy procedure is an excellent choice as long as you aren’t pregnant or have a history of blood clots in the treatment area. Most vein specialists prefer sclerotherapy for spider veins over laser treatments, particularly on the legs.



Who Shouldn’t Get Sclerotherapy?

A sclerotherapy procedure isn’t recommended if you have certain health conditions that may affect how the vein will respond to the sclerosing agent. If you have cardiovascular disease or had a heart bypass surgery, you aren’t a good candidate for treatment. This is especially true if you’re seeking treatment for spider veins, which is mostly a cosmetic concern. If you are pregnant or have a history of blood clots in the area, you also aren’t a good candidate for a sclerotherapy procedure. Furthermore, most vein specialists don’t use sclerotherapy for varicose veins very often, so if you have bulging varicose veins, you’re likely have a number of other treatmentsrecommended to you.



How Is A Sclerotherapy Procedure Administered

After cleansing the area, your provider will use a very fine needle to inject the solution into the affected vein(s). After treatment, you only need a small bandage applied, much like after receiving a vaccine.



Is There Any Pain With Sclerotherapy? Will Anesthesia Be Used?

A topical numbing agent may be used in patients but is not necessary. If you are allergic to topical anesthesia, you can still receive sclerotherapy without numbing.



What Areas On The Body Can Be Treated With Sclerotherapy Injections?

Sclerotherapy can be administered almost anywhere on the body as long as the veins aren’t very large, such as with advanced varicose veins.



Is Sclerotherapy Safe?

Sclerotherapy is considered safe for most patients. During your initial consultation, we will go over your medical history and examine your veins to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. This will include going over your medications, health conditions you’re currently being treated for, and any allergies you have. For most healthy patients, sclerotherapy is safe with only mild, short-term side-effects.