Sclerotherapy is an in office procedure that is used to treat small varicose veins and spider veins. During the treatment, problem veins are injected with a chemical solution that causes the vein to collapse and prevents blood from flowing through it. Once the blood flow in the varicose vein is stopped, the appearance of the vein will disappear and the blood will flow through healthy veins.

This procedure treats existing spider and varicose veins, but it will not prevent new spider veins and small varicose veins from forming. The injection may cause a burning or stinging sensation. Some veins may require treatment more than once while others will fade away after the first injection. After your Sclerotherapy session, the injection sites will be covered with gauze and tape. You may also need to wear compression stockings for up to a week after your treatment.

Sclerotherapy Side Effects

• Bruises at the site of the injection
• Brown discoloration of the skin
• Development of new spider veins
• Swelling around the ankles
• Small skin ulcerations
• Development of "trapped blood"

These side effects are mild and short lasting. Most of them last for a few weeks at most and do not affect your long-term results. There is no recovery time for Sclerotherapy. You will be able to go back to work that same day.

The amount of Sclerotherapy treatments needed varies from individual to individual. Typically, two to four treatments are needed to achieve the best results; however, larger varicose veins may require more treatments. Patients with milder cases of spider veins should see results with one or two treatments.

When you come to the Acadiana Vascular Center for your Sclerotherapy session, we suggest that you wear shorts or bring a pair with you. You should also purchase a pair of compression stockings to wear home after your treatment to help improve your blood flow. Most pharmacies carry compression stockings that are suitable for this purpose. After your treatment, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can prevent your vein problems from worsening.

Contact our office to arrange an appointment for the treatment of your varicose veins.