Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the treatment of Spider Veins (telangiectasia) by injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution. This solution causes irritation to the vessel lining, making it become inflamed, harden, and eventually fade away.
Procedure
The procedure takes 20-45 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated. It is common to experience a stinging or burning sensation during and right after the injection is made, but this is short lived. After the treatment is finished, a compression bandage will be applied.
After Your Treatment
Immediately after the procedure, you will be required to put on your support hose or compression bandage and walk for 30 minutes. Your initial compression bandage must be worn for 24 hours (may remove to shower). This is an important part of your therapy as it prevents blood from re-entering the injected veins.
Maintain normal activities. You are encouraged to walk as much as possible and avoid standing/sitting in a single position for prolonged periods of time.
Avoid strenuous activities such as high-impact aerobics, jogging, vigorous swimming or lower body weightlifting for the first 48-72 hours after your treatment.
Avoid hot baths for 2 weeks. You can shower with warm water. Cool your legs with cold water after each shower.
Avoid sunbathing and Ultraviolet Exposure until all bruises have disappeared.Ifexposed to the sun, always wear sunscreen as the bruising can become permanent.
Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools for 48 hours following your treatment.
Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Anaprox, Vioxx, etc.) for 24-48 hours following your treatment.
It is normal for your injections sites to look worse before they look better. You can expect to experience bruising and discoloration at your injection sites. You can also expect hardness along the course of the veins that were treated. This will fade over a period of several weeks to months.
Should you experience any redness or a small lump use warm compresses several times a day. If you experience any small open area(s) you may use Polysporin/Bacitracin Ointment (Not Neosporin) to the affected area along with the warm compresses.
The number of sessions needed will be determined during your initial consultation. Treatments can be scheduled every 6 weeks.