Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins Treatment Coquitlam Port Moody

Sclerotherapy uses an injection of a special chemical (sclerosant) substance, into a varicose vein, to damage and scar the inside lining of the vein. This then causes the vein to close. During this procedure, the affected leg is elevated to drain blood, and the sclerosant is injected into the varicose vein. The procedure is done in a doctor’s office or clinic, and takes approximately 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how many varicose veins are treated, as well as how big they are. After the injection of sclerosant is given, pressure is applied over the veins to prevent blood to return, when you stand up. You may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks to maintain the pressure. The sclerotherapy injection may be painful, and the chemical (sclerosant) that is injected can cause a feeling of burning or cramping for a few minutes, in the area where the shot was given. You may require multiple sessions depending on the extent of the varicose veins, and the type of sclerosant used.

The most common side effect is skin colour change, along the treated vein. The discolouration may take 6 to 12 months to disappear.

Itching, bruising, pain, and blistering may occur where the veins were treated.

Scarring may happen, if ulcers or skin/fat necrosis forms around the treated vein. This would happen if sclerosant is injected outside a vein, or sclerosant escapes through the wall of a weakened vein.

A mild or severe (anaphylactic) reaction to the sclerosant. (Severe reaction is very rare.)

Blood clots or damage in the deep vein system.

Failure of treatment to prevent varicose veins from returning.

Sclerotherapy generally does not require any recovery period. You will likely be able to walk immediately after the treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 week after the procedure. Walk every day for at least 10 minutes. Try not to sit or lie down for long periods of time.

Avoid exposing your legs to the sun for the first 2 weeks after the procedure.You will probably have to wear compression stockings for a short time after having sclerotherapy.

Spider veins and small veins that are not causing more serious problems, smaller varicose veins that come back after vein-stripping surgery, and larger varicose veins, when minimally invasive techniques are used. Sclerotherapy may be done alone or as a follow-up post surgery.

Sclerotherapy should not be done if you:

Are pregnant or nursing. It is not known whether the chemical (sclerosant) substance causes birth defects, or gets into breast milk,

Have a history of allergy to sclerosant or similar substances, and

Have blood clots or inflammation in the deep leg veins (deep vein thrombosis).