INJECTION SCLEROTHERAPY
Injection sclerotherapy is the most common and accepted treatment of spider veins and most small varicose veins. A dilute, FDA approved chemical solution is injected into the veins through a very small needle. This medicine causes the inside of the wall or lining of the vein to become inflamed and close off. Injection sclerotherapy has an advantage over laser sclerotherapy because it allows treatment of a much larger area in a shorter period of time with less discomfort.
Since today’s needles are very small, even patients with “needle phobia” tolerate injection sclerotherapy very well. The medicine currently used at Vein Specialists causes less burning and pain than the concentrated saline solutions used in the past. Depending on the size and extent of veins injected, final results may take weeks to months to be fully appreciated. Compression stocking therapy is an important and mandatory part of successful sclerotherapy treatment. Staining of the skin may occur and can last up to one year although most veins fade within the first 6-12 weeks. Sclerotherapy is not an “eraser” technique and mutual expectations should be discussed prior to treatment. Avoidance of direct sun exposure or tanning beds for two weeks following injection sclerotherapy is also mandatory to prevent the sun from worsening the staining.
LASER SCLEROTHERAPY
Laser sclerotherapy is effective in the treatment of very superficial, fine spider veins. In order for laser therapy to be effective, the hand piece must be traced like a pencil over individual veins. Due to the tedious nature of this technique, large areas often require multiple sessions. Patients can return to normal activity immediately after treatment and are encouraged to comply with the compression hose regimen to achieve the best results. Potential side effects of laser sclerotherapy include a few days of redness, swelling or mild discoloration ("matting") of the skin. This typically disappears within a few weeks or months. Avoidance of direct sun exposure for two weeks following sclerotherapy is recommended. Laser sclerotherapy is often used as an adjunct to injection sclerotherapy.
FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY
Laser sclerotherapy is effective in the treatment of very superficial, fine spider veins. In order for laser therapy to be effective, the hand piece must be traced like a pencil over individual veins. Due to the tedious nature of this technique, large areas often require multiple sessions. Patients can return to normal activity immediately after treatment and are encouraged to comply with the compression hose regimen to achieve the best results. Potential side effects of laser sclerotherapy include a few days of redness, swelling or mild discoloration ("matting") of the skin. This typically disappears within a few weeks or months. Avoidance of direct sun exposure for two weeks following sclerotherapy is recommended. Laser sclerotherapy is often used as an adjunct to injection sclerotherapy.
