Sclerotherapy
for leg veins
Here at Evolution Dermatology, we inject unwanted spider leg veins with one of a couple different solutions. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and you will be instructed to keep on Coban wraps or support hose for 3 days. The veins will look darker and more apparent at first and will fade over the course of a month. For best results, no strenuous exercise for 3 days following your procedure. This is a treatment that can take a couple of times before all of the vessels are resolved but it is a great way to get those legs ready for summer or a warm vacation!
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy effectively treats spider veins on your legs and is a well-proven procedure that has been used since the 1930s. It involves injecting a solution directly into the vein that causes the vein to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. This is safe and the collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
After sclerotherapy, the treated veins tend to fade within a few weeks, although occasionally it may take a month or more to see the full results. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be needed, with treatments about 1 month apart. For most patients, between 50 and 80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each session.
What to know before your procedure:
Unless they have been prescribed to you for health reasons, it is best to avoid blood thinners for 10 days prior to the procedure. Blood thinners include: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, vitamin E and fish oil. If you are taking something for a headache or pain, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is no problem to take.
The day of the procedure, avoid shaving or applying any lotion to your legs. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. You might even consider wearing a pair of shorts so that your legs are exposed. If you have compression hose (support stockings), please bring them with you so you can have adequate support after the procedure.
What to expect the day of your procedure:
Sclerotherapy is done in the office and doesn’t require anesthesia. It generally takes about 30 minutes to complete.
During the procedure:
For the procedure, you’ll be able to lie down and after cleansing the area to be treated with alcohol, your provider will use a fine needle to insert a solution into the appropriate vein. You may experience minor stinging or slight cramping of the surrounding muscles.
At each injection site, cotton balls and tape will be applied for compression to keep blood out of the injected vessel and disperse the solution. The number of injections depends on the number and size of veins being treated.
The solution works by irritating the lining of the vein, causing it to swell shut and block the flow of blood. Eventually, the vein will become scar tissue and disappear.
What to know after the procedure:
You’ll be able to get up and walk around soon after the procedure. Walking and moving your legs is important to prevent the formation of blood clots. You can take the cotton balls and tape off 2-3 hours post procedure to avoid any local skin reaction to the tape. But continue to wear your compression stockings or bandages. It is best to wear compression stockings or bandages for 3 days following your treatment to maintain compression on the treated veins. You can take these off to shower.
Do not take hot baths or sit in a whirlpool or sauna. You may take showers, but the water should be cooler than usual and you can wash the injection sites with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Do not apply hot compresses or any form of heat to the injected areas.
You should avoid strenuous exercise for 3 days following your treatment. And to wear compression stockings for up to 3 weeks post procedure if you are standing for prolonged periods of time.
You’ll also want to avoid sun exposure to the treated areas for about a month. The inflammation caused by the injections combined with sun exposure can lead to dark spots on your skin, especially if you already have a dark skin tone.
Results of Sclerotherapy
You can usually see definitive results in three to six weeks. Veins that respond to treatment generally don’t come back, but new veins may appear.
However, multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the results you want. Treatments need to be at least one month apart to allow healing between treatments.
