Sclerotherapy is the preferred treatment for minimizing small superficial leg veins. It involves the insertion of a tiny needle into the blood vessel where a small amount of a sclerosing agent is gently injected. This causes “sclerosis” which is the formation of fibrous tissue within the blood vessel, leading to the gradual disappearance of that vessel. Fading of the vessel may take from a few weeks to several months.
Number of Sclerotherapy Treatments Needed
Many people do well with a single treatment; however it is not unusual to require 2-3 treatment sessions for a lasting effect. For certain people with larger amounts of troublesome veins, more than one session is typically needed.
What veins can be treated with Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is capable of targeting only small veins that are present at the time of treatment, but it does not prevent the development of new veins in a person with that tendency. While there may be a long-term disappearance of treated veins, new veins could develop in the susceptible person.
The Safety of Sclerotherapy
Most people tolerate sclerotherapy treatment very well and experience no adverse effects. In less then 0.01% of patients treated with sclerotherapy, there is an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent that was injected. There are also certain people who should not undergo sclerotherapy treatment. These people are those who are pregnant, people over 60, obese people, people with multiple large and/or painful varicose veins, people with a history of a deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus/clotting disorder, people with heart or liver disease, HIV, recent cancer or chemotherapy.
Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Treatment
Sclerotherapy is still the standard of care for the treatment of small veins on the legs.
Portica Body & Face
If you’d like to meet Dr. Allen or schedule a consultation, please contact us soon! We look forward to meeting you and introducing our staff. We offer confidential consults and provide the most comfortable atmosphere.
Portica Body & Face
If you’d like to meet Dr. Allen or schedule a consultation, please contact us soon! We look forward to meeting you and introducing our staff. We offer confidential consults and provide the most comfortable atmosphere.
