It is most probable that you have reached this page because you are trying to find a solution for your varicose or spider veins. You have reached the perfect place; here you will learn about sclerotherapy, when to consider it as a treating option and whether or not you are a good candidate.
Rather than treating varicose and spider veins as a cosmetic issue, at Canada Vein Clinics, we treat differently. Both are signs of a medical condition known as Venous Insufficiency and, therefore, Venous Insufficiency should be correctly diagnosed and treated appropriately. If left undiagnosed or incorrectly treated Venous Insufficiency may result in serious and even life-threatening complications. Continue reading below to learn all about Sclerotherapy.
What are Varicose Veins?
- Varicose veins are large blue, dark purple veins.
- They protrude from the skin and many times they have a cord-like appearance and may twist or bulge.
- Varicose veins are found most frequently on the legs.
What are Spider Veins?
- Spider veins are small and very fine red or blue veins.
- They are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins.
- They can look like a thin red line, tree branches or spider webs.
- Spider veins can be found on the legs and face and may cover a small or large area.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a proven procedure that has been in use since the 1930’s; it is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins.
- Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the vein.
- The sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins.
- The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades.
After sclerotherapy, 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.
How is Sclerotherapy Done?
We use a transillumination device “VeinLight”, to visualize and localize varicosities and their origin, which makes varicose and spider veins treatment very effective.
In most cases of sclerotherapy, the solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. At this point, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping for one to two minutes, especially when larger veins are injected. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
The number of veins injected in one session depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.
Sclerotherapy is performed in our all of our Canada Vein Clinics.
Post Injection
- After treatment, the area may be dressed with compressive tape or stockings, or an elastic Ace wrap for a period of time.
- The veined area often looks a bit bruised initially, and the color slowly fades over the course of a few weeks.
- Some people can have a bit of brownish discoloration (hyperpigmentation) occur to the area during the healing process. This hyperpigmentation fades as well, but may take months.
- You will be able to drive yourself home and resume your daily activities.
- For the next 48 hours you should avoid:
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- Hot baths
- Hot compresses
- Direct exposure to sunlight
Candidates for Sclerotherapy
To determine if you are a candidate for sclerotherapy, you will need to visit a clinic and have a consultation.
- You cannot have the procedure if you are pregnant.
- Birth control pills do not exclude you from sclerotherapy.
- A history of blood clots may get you excluded, but it depends on how many clots you have had, their severity, where and when they occurred, and what caused them.
Why is Sclerotherapy Done?
Cosmetic issues are often a reason for sclerotherapy – it improves the appearance of varicose and spider veins.
Treatment of the correct vessels can improve the symptoms of venous insufficiency such as:
- Aching
- Swelling
- Burning
- Night cramps
- Itching
- Fatigue
Risks and Temporary side effects
Sclerotherapy is very efficient and safe for most patients. Some side effects that may occur at the site of the injection include:
- Bruising
- Raised red areas
- Small skin sores
- Darkened skin in the form of lines or spots
- Multiple tiny red blood vessels
These side effects usually go away within a few days to several weeks. Some side effects can take months or even years to disappear completely.
What aftercare is Required Following a Sclerotherapy?
- Patients should wear compression dressings for one to three weeks after treatment.
- A follow-up visit within two weeks to enable the evacuation of blood clots in larger veins can improve the prognosis and the appearance.
What Are the Benefits?
- For patients with venous insufficiency, treatment can be beneficial by improving venous blood flow and limiting chronic swelling.
- For those with cosmetic complaints, their appearance can be improved.
Sclerotherapy Effectiveness
- Studies have shown that as many as 50%-80% of injected veins may be eliminated with each session of sclerotherapy.
- Less than 10% of the people who have sclerotherapy do not respond to the injections at all.
- In these instances, different solutions can be tried. Although this procedure works for most patients, there are no guarantees for success.
What to Expect with Canada Vein Clinics
Canada Vein Clinics is a state-of-the-art facility providing the latest technological advances in Varicose Veins Treatment.
Throughout your entire Canada Vein Clinics experience, while being treated at Vein Clinic Toronto, Vein Clinic Richmond Hill, Vein Clinic Halifax or Vein Clinic Lindsay, you will be under the care of one CVC physician. This ensures consistency and accuracy – from diagnosis to treatment, and in follow-up care. It also guarantees your personal ease and comfort.
Schedule Your Assessment!
Call us at (888) 876-VEIN (8346). Our professionally trained staff is ready to get you started!
