Sclerotherapy: FAQs

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves injection of sclerosing medicine into the diseased vein, causing the vein to close off. It is used for small veins between 1mm and 4mm called reticular and spider veins and can safely be done in the office. It is not a new technique, but advances in technology have greatly improved the results.

Will I need tests?
Venous duplex Ultrasound is noninvasive test that can identify problems in the deep veins and should be performed prior to phlebectomy. If reflux is found in the deep veins than this should be corrected before sclerotherapy.

Does it hurt?
The needles used are very fine and are hardly felt. Patients complain of minimal burning for 15 to 20 minutes after injection.

How many treatments would I need?
It depends on the severity of your varicose veins. Usually one to two treatments are needed, spaced six weeks apart.

What are the complications?
Side effects are rare, but include burning, red raised areas, phlebitis, allergic reactions, hyper pigmentation and matting (tiny new red vessels that appear in the injected area). Skin necrosis is very rare.

Will I need time off from work?
This is a walk in-walkout procedure that takes about 40 minutes. You can resume work the following day. Compression hose will need to be worn for 2 weeks.

Will they come back?
Treated veins will not come back. However new veins may appear.

Is it covered by insurance?
Sclerotherapy for small veins is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.

Are there contraindications?
Sclerotherapy should not be done during pregnancy, in elderly sedentary patients, patients with severe systemic diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease and a history of severe allergic reactions.

What will I need to do after surgery?
It is important to ambulate frequently-you will need to wear your ace wrap and compression stockings for 24 hours. Once the ace wrap is removed the compression stockings will have to be worn for a further 2 weeks.