Sclerotherapy Treatment

What is involved in the treatment?

This procedure is used to treat abnormal veins and involves an injection technique using a solution that irritates the lining of the vein so that it swells and sticks together.

The solution is known as a sclerosant and may be in liquid or foam form. Gradually over time the body reabsorbs the treated vein leaving nothing behind. The veins disappear over a few weeks and months.

When treating spider veins the process is known as microsclerotherapy, as small amounts of sclerosant are injected into the surface veins through a tiny needle.

When treating varicose veins the ultrasound is required to locate the veins and accurately place the injections. Thus the process is known as Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). With larger varicose veins the sclerosant is often in the stronger foam formulation and thus the procedure is called Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS).

After the injections a graduated compression stocking is applied to the leg and worn for 2 weeks and the patient is encouraged to walk at least 30 minutes daily.

This form of treatment is a non-surgical procedure is performed in office.