Does Sclerotherapy work for everyone?

The majority of persons who have sclerotherapy performed will be cleared of their varicosities or at least see good improvement.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of varicose and spider veins present. One to six more treatments may be needed; the average is three to four. Individual veins usually require one to three treatments.

That are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy treatments are:
• Itching - depending on the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts 1 to 2 days.
• Transient Hyperpigmentation - approximately 30% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient the veins become darker immediately after the procedure. In rare instances, this darkening of the veins may persist for 4-12 months.
• Sloughing - sloughing occurs in less that 3% of patients who receive sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly. A blister may form, open and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal colour.
• Allergic Reactions - very rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients who have a history of allergies.
• Pain - a few patients may experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising, usually at the site of injection. The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting from 1 to maximum 7 days.

What are the other side effects?

Other side effects include a burning sensation during injection of some solutions, Sclerotherapy neovascularization (the development - usually temporary - of new tiny blood vessels), transient phlebitic-type reactions (swelling of the veins might cause to ankles to swell), temporary superficial blebs or wheals (similar to hives), and, very rarely, wound injection poor healing, or scarring.

Are there any other types of procedures to treat Telangiectasia?

• Laser surgery - to date, this method has only been effective for tiny facial blood vessels. The present laser systems tend to produce a greater risk of scarring. The laser is an expensive devise and treatment is thus more costly. We have recently evaluated the use of a new type of laser (Cynergie Vascular Laser) for vessels which do not respond to injection treatment or are too small to be injected. Although more expensive than conventional sclerotherapy, this new laser system is quite effective for treating the tiniest of red blood vessels that may remain after successful treatment of other varicose and telangiectatic leg veins.
• Electrodesiccation - This method produces a non-specific destruction of both the vessel and overlaying skin, thus resulting on greater incidence of scarring.
• Surgical Ligation or Circumsuture - This operative procedure always results in a scar and is best reserved for large varicose veins.

What if I experience a problem after receiving Sclerotherapy?

If you notice any type of adverse reaction, please call the doctor immediately.

What should I do before my appointment for treatment?

Discontinue aspirin and so-called blood thinning drugs 1 week prior to your appointment. Consult your prescribing physician.
Do not shave your legs 2-3 days prior to your appointment.
Eat a light breakfast or lunch an hour or so prior to your appointment.

What should I do after the procedure?

Walk for 30 minutes immediately following the injections. If possible, do not drive home yourself, If you have to drive keep your legs moving and make frequent stops for walking (approx every 20 minutes). Maintain normal daytime activities; walk at least an hour a day - the more the better. No hot baths for 2 weeks.

Avoid standing without moving about. If you must stay in one place, move your feet and toes frequently. If your legs become painful after the injection, walk. Do not remove your bandages for 48 hours. Cover them with a plastic bag when showering. Avoid strenuous physical activity (aerobics) for the first 48 - 72 hours.