Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose
veins and "spider veins." Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a
solution (such as sodium chloride, a salt solution, or sotradecol,
a detergent) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the
lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together,
and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue
that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure and
has been in use since the 1930s.
How will I know if I am a candidate for
sclerotherapy?
Prior to the procedure, you will have an
initial consultation with a dermatologist or vascular medicine
specialist who will advise you on your eligibility for
sclerotherapy.
You are not eligible if you are pregnant or are bedridden. If
you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be
decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the overall
health of the area needing treated as well as the reason for the
clot.
Veins that are potentially usable for future surgical bypass
procedures (i.e., use of the saphenous vein, a large vein in the
leg used for coronary artery bypass graft surgery) will generally
not be considered for sclerotherapy.
How is sclerotherapy done?
In most cases, the
sclerosing solution is injected through a very fine needle directly
into the vein.
At this point, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping
for 1 to 2 minutes, especially when larger veins are injected. The
procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. You should
plan to wear shorts during the injection.
The number of veins injected in one session varies, and depends
on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general
medical condition of the patient.
Sclerotherapy is performed in the doctor's office by a
dermatologist or vascular medicine specialist and requires that you
do not partake in any aerobic activity for two days after the
procedure.
What you need to do before the procedure?
Prior to
vein injection, you should avoid certain medications. Tetracycline,
an antibiotic, may possibly cause a staining of the skin if taken
seven to 10 days before or after sclerotherapy. If you need to take
an antibiotic before sclerotherapy, contact your physician. No
lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure.
Some physicians recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e.,
®Advil and ®Nuprin) or other anti-inflammatory medications
for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy to minimize bruising. Tylenol,
however, should not affect this procedure.