Treatment of Varicose Veins by Injection (Sclerotherapy)

Varicose veins are swollen, bluish-colored veins. This is a condition that often run in families or develops as a result of factors such as pregnancy, obesity or trauma.

In addition to being a cosmetic problem, varicose veins can also cause pain, itching and burning in the legs, particularly after being on your feet for long periods of time.

Veins carry blood from the body back to the heart. In the legs, healthy veins are equipped with special one-way valves that prevent the blood from flowing back "downhill." Varicose veins have incompetent valves, which do not completely close. This results in the pooling of blood in the legs and feet, producing varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy utilizes a solution, typically 23.4 percent sodium chloride mixed with Xylocaine, which is injected into the varicosity. The solution collapses the vessel, therapy sealing it off and eliminating the varicosity.

Sclerotherapy treatments are generally performed two to four weeks apart. The frequency and duration of treatments are based upon each individual patient's need.

Preparatory Instructions

Prior to treatment, noninvasive blood flow testing may be needed to determine the suitability of the veins for sclerotherapy.

Compressive stockings will be prescribed prior to beginning injection therapy. These stockings are fitted at a medical supply company, and are prescribed in a compression that is appropriate for you. Wearing someone else's support hose will not be beneficial. A list of suppliers for these stockings will be provided to you.

The stockings should be worn from 1-5 days before your first treatment. If they cause discomfort, do not wear them until the physician can check them for appropriate fit. Please be sure that you wear the hose to all subsequent appointments, as they are an important part of the sclerotherapy treatment.

You may want to bring shorts to wear for your sclerotherapy treatments.

Post-Procedure Instructions

Following your injection therapy, you may drive yourself home. Once there, you must elevate your treated leg for a minimum of 12 hours. This will ensure maximum benefit from the treatment, as well as lessen discomfort.

If an ACE wrap is applied by your physician, leave it on until the next morning. The support hose should also be worn overnight following treatment.

The next day, you may remove the ACE wrap and stocking for bathing purposes. The wrap and stocking should then be re-applied. The ACE wrap should be worn until any tenderness is gone, or as per your physicians' instructions. The stockings should be worn every day, while you are up, for the duration of your sclerotherapy treatments and three months following your last treatment.

During your sclerotherapy treatments, the treated areas should not be exposed to sun, including tanning beds. If you are going to tan, the areas treated must be covered to avoid complications. Hot tubs should also be avoided.

Normal activities, with the exception of tanning and hot tubs, may be resumed following each treatment when tenderness is gone. Tanning may resume three weeks following treatment, if approved by your physician.

Reactions to Treatment

Normal reactions to sclerotherapy include, and should pass within 12 hours of treatment:

• Lumpiness
• Tenderness
• Burning
• Redness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Bruising (may last longer than 12 hours)
• Blistering (This occurs when veins treated are close to the surface of the skin. If this occurs, leave the blister intact. Cover it with a bandage or gauze if your clothing irritates it. Please call the let our office know if you develop a blister.)

 

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.

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