Sclerotherapy uses an injectable sclerosing solution to treat abnormally dilated or cosmetically unacceptable small spider veins on the legs. The solution causes an inflammatory reaction in the lining of the vessel wall. Initially the veins appear swollen. Blood inside the vein clots, the vein collapses, and is reabsorbed. This process takes about 4-6 weeks to see the full response. Multiple sclerotherapy sessions are typically needed for best results.
This is an outpatient procedure without any downtime. Routine physical activities can be resumed immediately afterwards.
Dr. Wong injects Asclera solution as the sclerosing agent. It is associated with minimal discomfort. Compression stockings (20-30mm Hg) are worn after treatment to allow for more effective destruction of venules, decreased bruising, and faster healing.
Side-effects
The most common are bruising, swelling temporary hyperpigmentation, and a hive-like bump at the sites of injection. Sometimes a small clot in a vein will not reabsorb and needs extraction. Rare complications include allergic reaction, scar, and superficial thrombophlebitis (<1%).
Veins that do not respond to sclerotherapy may need surgical treatments such as vein stripping or endovenous laser ablation.
