Using sclerotherapy the surgeon treats small varicose veins and spider veins. It means injecting a solution, known as a sclerosant, right into the affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the lining of the blood vessel and it swells and sticks together. Over time, these veins will fade.
When does the surgeon use sclerotherapy over other methods?
Most often our surgeon will give these injections straight after varicose vein treatment with Venaseal®. Treating the smaller visible veins. Sometimes you will need another lot of these injections.
The choice between sclerotherapy and Venaseal (a medical adhesive that shuts down the varicose vein by glueing the walls together) depends on the size and where the varicose veins are. Ultimately, our vascular surgeon will decide the best option for patients. The first step is to book the patient in for an ultrasound scan. This will give the surgeon a map of the patient’s veins. Because varicose veins are not always able to be seen.
Sclerotherapy will be used to treat smaller veins, while Venaseal will be used to treat the ropey varicose veins you see on the surface. Usually on the legs.
Recovery time for both treatments is much the same, with little down time. Some side effects may be bruising, redness and a little pain where the injections went in. Sclerotherapy are injections into the veins. Venaseal will start with a local one but there are no others.
Using sclerotherapy can improve the appearance of small veins
Sclerotherapy can improve the look of varicose veins and spider veins and help reduce aches and pains. As well as other symptoms like puffy legs. Also, when other things such as wearing compression stockings and making healthy lifestyle changes (like doing more exercise and keeping to a healthy weight) don’t help. However, it’s vital to talk with a vascular surgeon to find out if sclerotherapy is what you need.