Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy

Spider veins and minor varicose veins are a common skin condition, which can create an unsightly skin appearance in visible areas such as the legs. If left untreated, these unhealthy veins may also cause discomfort, itching and discoloration. As many as one in five adults in the US are estimated to be affected by spider veins and varicose veins. 

The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts offers sclerotherapy, a time-tested, minimally invasive procedure to eliminate spider veins and minor varicose veins for good. Sclerotherapy injections will not only help restore smooth and aesthetically appealing skin appearance in the treated areas, it may also reduce discomfort and other side effects associated with the diseased veins.

Areas Treated with Sclerotherapy

Legs and feet are among the most common areas where spider veins and varicose veins may appear. Spider veins are usually located close to the skin’s surface, while the varicose veins may be found in the deeper skin tissue. Depending on the location and size of the diseased veins, we can create a custom injectable treatment plan using sclerotherapy to target spider veins and varicose veins in the following areas: 

• Calves
• Thighs 
• Feet 
• Ankles 
• Buttocks 
• Face 

How does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy is a safe and proven injectable procedure to treat diseased or damaged veins, including spider veins and small varicose veins. The injections contain a chemical sclerosing agent, which is injected directly into the affected veins using tiny needles. The medication will irritate the lining of the targeted vein, causing it to scar and collapse. 

The closed vein will get naturally reabsorbed in the body and will slowly fade away with the body’s metabolic process. The blood will get rerouted through the surrounding healthy veins, restoring a smooth and youthful skin appearance in the treated sites. Depending on your age, skin condition and the extent of spider veins and varicose veins, we may sometimes plan for a series of sclerotherapy in-office treatment sessions for best results. 

What to Expect During the Procedure?

If some of the varicose veins or spider veins are deeply embedded, we may require ultrasound imaging of the area to map the treatment. However, in many cases, the damaged veins are fairly visible on the skin, which can be treated without requiring an ultrasound imaging test.

Dr. V can safely perform your sclerotherapy procedure in-office without involving general anesthesia or IV sedation. During the procedure, you will rest on your back with the legs slightly raised. We will cleanse the marked area thoroughly before the treatment begins. 

With the help of a fine needle, Dr. V will precisely inject the sclerosant solution into the targeted vein. The solution will include lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. If the affected veins are larger in size, we may use the sclerosing solution in a foam version, which covers a greater surface area compared to a liquid. 

We will apply a gentle massage and compression, while the needles are injected in multiple veins. The size and number of the damaged veins will determine your custom treatment plan and the number of sclerosant injections involved.  

Recovery and Results

You can return to your normal routine the same day after your sclerotherapy treatment session. We encourage patients to walk and move normally post-treatment for quick healing. You will have to wear compression stockings for a few days to achieve the desired results. 

You can see noticeably smoother skin and elimination of the diseased veins in about four to six weeks. Most of the veins will respond to the treatment and will be likely permanently gone. However, new veins may appear in future.