Sclerotherapy Treatment

Put on your dancing shoes after you treat your varicose veins! (Credit: Moriza)

Sclerotherapy treatment is a non-surgical procedure to remove varicose veins. The procedure is carried out by injecting a solution directly into the vein, which results in a reaction that progressively shrinks the varicose vein. The solution used in the Scleotherapy injection includes Hypertonic saline, Polidocanol, and Sodium tetradecyl sulphate.

The Sclerotherapy procedure takes anywhere between fifteen minutes to an hour, depending upon the number of spider veins to be treated and the overall length each vein.  Before you have your Sclerotherapy treatment, it’s advisable to avoid medications such as Tetracycline or Mincon. These medicines cause staining of the skin if taken before or after the Sclerotherapy treatment. You should also avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours before and after the Sclerotherapy treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications may interfere with the effective action of the sclerosing solution.

The side-effects of the Sclerotherapy include bruising, burning sensations and lumps in the affected areas. Most of these side-effects will fade away over time, as you begin to heal. It’s a good idea to avoid hot baths and steam after the Sclerotherapy treatment.

Serious complications following sclerotherapy are rare. Some of these complications are allergies to the sclerosant chemical, ulceration of the procedure area, and the possibility of deep vein thrombosis.

You will be able to resume normal activities soon after the treatment and may also have to wear a compression wrap to compress the treated areas. Vigorous physical activities such as weight lifting or aerobics classes are not advised during this time.

After your Sclerotherapy treatment, the venous system of the legs should function and look normal. Doctors may advice you to increase the intake of Vitamin C.

Sclerotherapy costs between $100 and $400 per session and in most cases insurance will not cover the cost of the treatment because it is an elective procedure. Though, some insurance companies cover Sclerotherapy for particular medical circumstances.