What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy effectively treats varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein that causes the vein to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades. After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take a month or more to see the full results. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be needed.

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What are the benefits?

The benefits of Sclerotherapy include, the reduction of unsightly spider veins and the reduction of small varicose veins. These results can be achieved without the need for surgery and there is minimal downtime. The injections are precise, helping you achieve the desired look you wish and the side effects are minimal.

 

Can I have the treatment?

Sclerotherapy is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding or anyone under the age of 18. After giving birth, you must wait 3 months before you are able to receive Sclerotherapy treatment. If you have an allergic sensitivity to the sclerosant, have an infection, have deep venous thrombosis or severe artieral disease, then this treatment would not be suitable for you.

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When will I notice a difference?

If you were treated for small varicose veins or spider veins, you can usually expect to see definitive results in three to six weeks. Larger veins may require three to four months. However, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the results you want. Veins that respond to treatment generally don't come back, but new veins may appear.

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How Can I Prepare For My Appointment?

Before the procedure, avoid shaving or applying any lotion to your legs. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Please bring a pair of shorts to your appointment, so that your legs are exposed.​

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What Possible Side Effects can happen after the treatment?

Sclerotherapy is a safe cosmetic procedure. After the procedure, patients can experience several symptoms such as swelling, aching, itching and burning around the injected area. You could also experience night cramps, stinging or bruising in the injected area. Other side effects after the procedure include skin discoloration, discomfort, and raised red areas appearing around the injection areas. These side effect will clear within a few weeks or months.

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Aftercare Advice

• After your Sclerotherapy treatment, a pressure bandage and gauze will be applied to the treated area, and you should keep it untouched for 24-48 hours.

• After the wrap is removed, depending on the type of vein that was treated, you should wear compression stockings for the following 7-14 days.

• Do not hot-compress the treated area for at least a week.

• Avoid saunas, hot baths and hot showers for one week. Avoid heavy exercise 24 hours post treatment.

• Avoid exposure to UV, extreme heat i.e. sauna, steam rooms, sun beds etc.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks after the procedure.