Spider veins and varicose veins can be embarrassing, painful, and intrusive in your daily life. At the Center for Vein Disease in Chevy Chase, MD, we understand how you feel about problem veins, and we're here to provide accessible solutions to set you free from those issues. Our board-certified specialist Dr. Mehru Sonde, MD, DABVLM, offers the highest standard in noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments for vein disease. Sclerotherapy is a trusted approach with decades of success behind it. It can eliminate troublesome veins quickly, with no downtime. Whether it's spider or varicose veins, Sclerotherapy could be your solution.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose and spider veins, most commonly found on the legs, by collapsing them through the use of a solvent. Sclerotherapy has been used on patients since the 1930s with great success, producing increasingly effective medical, as well as cosmetic, results.
Reasons for Sclerotherapy
Some of the reasons a patient may desire, or a physician may recommend, sclerotherapy may include one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain, aching or burning sensations in the legs or feet
- Swelling or redness at the site
- Cramping of the legs, especially at night
- Scaly, dry or discolored skin at the site
- Discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods
Individuals troubled by varicose veins may choose, in consultation with their physician, to undergo sclerotherapy either because they find them unattractive or because the diseased veins are causing unpleasant and/or dangerous symptoms.
The Sclerotherapy Procedure
During sclerotherapy, a solution of a sclerosant is injected into the damaged veins. This will cause irritation in the affected veins and produce their eventual collapse. During this procedure, the surgeon is guided through the use of ultrasound to ensure precision. When the weakened veins collapse, they will be reabsorbed into the body and other healthier veins will take their place in the circulatory system.
Sclerotherapy has proven to be a safe procedure and is performed outpatient in the doctor‘s office. Typically, sclerotherapy is performed in less than an hour, although a varying number of injections may be required, depending on the number of veins involved. Patients do not require an anesthetic and usually report little or no discomfort during the procedure, only a mild burning sensation. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be necessary.
Risks of Sclerotherapy
Although sclerotherapy is a safe procedure that has been successfully performed for many years, there are certain risks associated with any medical procedure. Certain minimal, temporary side effects are to be expected, including bruising and discoloration. More serious complications are rare, but may include:
Inflammation
Swelling, warmth and discomfort around the injection site may indicate the presence of an infection for which the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Trapped Blood and Blood Clot
A lump of clotted blood may form in a treated vein and require drainage. Rarely, a deeper blood clot may develop, known as a deep vein thrombosis. Since there is danger that such a clot will break off and travel to the chest, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, such a clot requires urgent medical attention. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or the coughing up of foamy blood are signs of pulmonary embolism and must be addressed immediately.
Air Bubbles
Tiny air bubbles may rise in the bloodstream. These may not result in any symptoms, but if the patient experiences visual disturbances, headache, coughing or nausea, the physician should be contacted.
Nerve Damage
Numbness or odd sensations in the affected limb following sclerotherapy should always be investigated.
While rare, it‘s possible for a patient to have a severe allergic reaction to the sclerosant used in the treatment.
Recovery from Sclerotherapy
Patients are able to return home shortly after sclerotherapy. Most can return to work and resume normal activities the next day, although exercise and strenuous activities are to be avoided for a week or two. Compression bandages usually need to be worn for a week or so after the procedure. While it may take up to a month for the patient to see full results, some improvement is usually visible immediately.
In order to promote vascular health and to preserve the positive effects of sclerotherapy, it is recommended that patients maintain a healthy weight and make exercise part of their daily routine.
Sclerotherapy FAQs
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy treats small to medium-sized varicose or spider veins that cause cosmetic concerns or mild discomfort. The best candidates are healthy people without blood clots, active infections, or serious circulatory issues.
Is Sclerotherapy Painful?
Sclerotherapy isn't generally painful, but you may experience a mild stinging or cramping sensation when the sclerosant solution is injected into the vein. The discomfort is brief, and most patients find it tolerable.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments needed depends on the size and severity of your veins. For smaller veins, a single session may be sufficient. Larger veins or more extensive cases may require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Can Sclerotherapy Treat Large Varicose Veins?
Sclerotherapy is most effective for treating smaller varicose veins and spider veins. While it can sometimes treat larger veins, it may not be the best option for large varicose veins. Other treatments, like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or VenaSeal® may be better.
What Should I Expect During a Sclerotherapy Appointment?
During a sclerotherapy session, your vein specialist uses a fine needle to inject each vein with a sclerosant solution. The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes. You may feel a slight discomfort or cramping during injection, but it's brief.
Are There Any Post-Treatment Restrictions?
After sclerotherapy, you'll wear compression stockings to support the treated veins and promote healing. You should avoid hot baths, saunas, or excessive sun exposure to the treated areas for a few days. It's also important to avoid heavy exercise or activities that could strain the treated veins for a short period following the procedure.
Are There Any Side Effects of Sclerotherapy?
Some patients experience minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and subside within a few days or weeks.
How Long Do Results Last After Sclerotherapy?
Results can last for years. Once the body absorbs the treated veins, they typically do not return. But new veins could appear and require treatment later, especially if the root cause of vein disease isn't treated.
When Can I See Results from Sclerotherapy?
Results may appear within three to six weeks, with larger veins taking longer to fade.
Can I Exercise After Sclerotherapy?
You can resume light activities like walking immediately. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for a few days. We provide detailed guidelines on returning to your usual fitness routine.
Will I Need Follow-Up Treatments After Sclerotherapy?
Some patients need follow-up treatments, especially if new veins appear over time. Regular check-ins with us help ensure that your results are lasting and that we treat any new veins promptly.
Does Insurance Cover Sclerotherapy?
Insurance coverage for sclerotherapy varies depending on your plan and whether the procedure is medically necessary. Insurance may cover part or all of the treatment if sclerotherapy is used to treat varicose veins that cause discomfort, swelling, or other medical symptoms. However, it may not be covered if the procedure is done for cosmetic reasons.
Why Choose Dr. Mehru Sonde For Sclerotherapy?
Dr. Sonde is certified by the prestigious American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, which means she has proven extensive expertise in treating vein and lymphatic conditions.
She has more than 10 years of experience as a vein specialist and is renowned in the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas for her patient-centric care, empathy, and extensive knowledge.
Our patients come to the Center for Vein Disease knowing they'll get personalized care from the area's foremost vein specialist. You can feel confident about finding relief with us.