Sclerotherapy

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Visual Sclerotherapy

As the name implies, this procedure is done under direct visualization by a skilled provider. This is the most common treatment for spider veins. The provider injects a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. The same vein may need to be treated more than once.

Transilluminated Sclerotherapy

Unlike visual sclerotherapy, the doctor injects a solution into the vein with the aid of transillumination. Transillumination devices use light to illuminate vessels below the skin surface not visualized by the naked eye. These vessels are typically feeder veins to surface spider veins. 

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

This type of sclerotherapy uses ultrasound technology to assist in visualization of larger diseased veins known as varicose veins. The doctor injects a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few months, the vein should slowly be reabsorbed. The same vein may need to be treated more than once.

Possible side effects include:

  • Temporary stinging or painful cramps where the injection was made
  • Temporary red raised patches of skin where the injection was made
  • Temporary small skin sores where the injection was made
  • Temporary bruises where the injection was made
  • Spots around the treated vein that usually disappear
  • Brown lines around the treated vein that usually disappear
  • Groups of fine red blood vessels around the treated vein that usually disappear

This treatment is very effective if done the right way. Most patients can expect a 50% to 90% improvement. Espinoza Vein Institute uses special solutions and injection techniques that increase the success rate for removal of varicose veins.

The treated vein can also become inflamed or develop lumps of old clotted blood called trapping. This is not dangerous. Applying heat and taking aspirin or nonsteroidals can relieve the inflammation. If deemed necessary ,these lumps of coagulated blood may be drained in the office with a simple procedure.

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