Sclerotherapy
Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution directly into the varicose or spider vein. The solution causes the vein walls to swell, stick together and seal shut, stopping the flow of blood. Eventually, the vein turns into scar tissue and is absorbed by the body.
Sclerotherapy has a success rate of approximately 90%.
How It Works
The sclerosant that is injected into the vein is a chemical irritant. A very fine needle is used to inject the sclerosant. When injection is received, individuals may experience some mild cramping and discomfort, particularly when larger veins are injected.
Each sclerotherapy treatment session lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. Approximately 30 to 40 veins can be treated per session, and as many as 50 to 80% of the injected veins are eliminated with each session.
On average, patients need two to six sclerotherapy treatments in order to achieve optimal results. With spider veins, it takes three to six weeks after each treatment to see results, while with larger veins, it can take up to three to four months to see results. The veins that respond to treatment will not reappear, but it is possible that new veins will appear in the same area over time.
