Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

• Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating varicose veins and superficial telangiectasias (“spider veins”) in which a solution, called a “sclerosing agent,” is injected into the veins causing them to collapse.
• The procedure may also remedy the bothersome symptoms associated with spider veins, including aching, burning, swelling and night cramps. Sclerosing agents that are mild enough to be used in small veins have made sclerotherapy predictable and quite painless.

What is treatment like?

• Your appointment will last about 30 minutes. 
• You will be given a robe to change into so that Dr. Ali can have access to your legs. 
• Dr. Ali will inject the “sclerosing agent” into the veins being worked on that day. 
• Once the session is complete you will be asked to wear your compression stocking it will help promote healing and prevent against clots.
• Compression of the area treated is very important. 
• It needs to be compressed for 5-7 days after your treatment. 

• Please be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible; it does nothing to prevent new veins from surfacing in the future. 
• Dr. Ali recommends Horsechestnut supplement 250mg once a day to minimize further vein damage and to improve circulation.  It is available at health food stores.

Pre-Treatment

• Avoid taking Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medications 48 hours before your appointment, these medications may interfere with the sclerosing agents.
• On the day of your appointment you will have to avoid using moisturizers or adding any oil to your legs, before or after treatment.
• You will need to bring your support hose with you to your appointment or purchase them at that time.  Wear them for 5-7 days after your appointment.
• Dr. Ali works on one leg per session and alternates between them until your package is completed.

Post-Treatment

• You can resume daily activities after your treatment, but you should not take hot baths, be in a sauna or whirlpool, or use hot compresses.  You can shower with tepid/warm water.

• You need to avoid tanning of any kind, jogging, excessive aerobics and swimming for 3-5 days after treatment.

Possible Side Effects

• After each sclerotherapy session, the veins may appear to be worse until they begin to fade.

• Bruising after each session can last up to six weeks.

• Some patients experience itching, depending on the sclerosing agent used, it can last anywhere from a couple of hours to one or two days.

• Mild to moderate pain with some bruising can also be experienced at the site of injection and the veins may be tender after treatment.

• Sloughing may occur, but this is rare.  Sloughing is a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly.  A blister may form, open and become ulcerated.  The scar that follows should return to normal color.  Be sure to wear the compression hose.

• Transient hyperpigmentation is a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment and is a possible side affect.

• There can be an allergic reaction depending on which sclerosing agent is used.  If you feel you are experiencing an allergic reaction call the office immediately.

You can schedule your Sclerotherapy sessions at least 1 week apart.

If you have any questions please call our office at 703 787-9866.

WellMedica
1801 Robert Fulton Drive
Suite 540
Reston, VA 20191