Varicose & Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy for Varicose & Spider Veins
WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) 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 Dr. Gurm (board certified in sclerotherapy) who will advise you on your eligibility for the treatment. You are not eligible if you are pregnant or are bedridden. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. 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.
Clinical history, physical examination and doppler ultrasound will be performed during your initial consultation to assist in determining eligibility, prognosis and the best course of treatment.
HOW IS SCLEROTHERAPY PERFORMED?
In most cases, the salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. At this point, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping for one to two 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.
You cannot partake in any aerobic activity for two days after the procedure.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?
Prior to vein injection, you should avoid certain medications. Specifics will be discussed during your initial consultation. You should avoid moisturizers for 48 hours and begin applying Traumeel ointment 5-7 days before treatment to all affected areas. Do not shave affected areas for at least 48 hours before treatment.
COULD SCLEROTHERAPY CAUSE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Mild side effects you may experience include itching (which can last for one or two days after the procedure) , raised, red areas at the injection site (which disappear within a few days) and bruising may also occur around the injection site (which can last several days or weeks, but is minimized by the topical application of Traumeel ointment). Other rare side effects will be discussed in your initial consult.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TREATMENT?
After the treatment you will be able to drive yourself home and resume your regular daily activities. Walking is encouraged.
You will be instructed to wear support hosiery to “compress” the treated vessels. If you have compression hosiery from previous treatments, you are encouraged to bring them with you to be certain they still have adequate compression. Department store support stockings will not be adequate if a heavy compression stocking is needed. We will recommend where to purchase medical compression hose (30 - 40 mm weight gradient) during your initial consult.
Following the injections, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications for at least 48 hours. Tylenol may be used if needed.
Also, you should avoid the following exposures to the injected areas for 48 hours after treatment:
- Hot baths
- Hot compresses
- Whirlpools or saunas
- Direct exposure to sunlight
Cool showers are permitted. The injection sites may be washed with a mild soap and tepid water.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
Studies have shown that as many as 50%-80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each session of sclerotherapy. Less than 10% of the people who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all. In these instances, different solutions can be tried. Although this procedure works for most patients, there are no guarantees for success.
In general, spider veins respond in three to six weeks, and larger veins respond in three to four months. If the veins respond to the treatment, they will not reappear. However, new veins may appear at the same rate as before. If needed, you may return for injections.
WILL MY EXTENDED HEALTH INSURANCE COVER SCLEROTHERAPY?
You should check with your individual extended health provider regarding coverage for naturopathic medicine and sclerotherapy. Some plans may cover full or partial amounts of treatment.
Dr. Gurm is a board certified physician in sclerotherapy.