What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the injection of a small amount of solution directly into unwanted veins. The treated veins will firstly collapse and later be reabsorbed by the body naturally.
What types of leg veins are there?
Leg Veins can be:
- Spider veins – red or purple fine veins.
- Reticular veins – blue mid sized veins often feeding into the spider veins.
- Varicose veins – Varicose Veins are enlarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue, and look twisted and bulging.
Do I need these veins?
Varicose veins and spider veins are not functional, and the blood has already found alternative pathways via healthy veins. The circulation of the limb can be improved with the removal of varicose veins.
Is Sclerotherapy painful?
The amount of discomfort felt will vary with the individual. The needles used are extremely fine (similar to acupuncture needles) and many are hardly felt at all. The injected solution can sting slightly for short periods of time.
Which areas can be treated?
Sclerotherapy is best for treating areas in the lower legs and can occasionally be used on the face although laser is a much more comfortable and preferred option here. Laser can be used on the lower legs; however, may not be as successful here and is more likely to cause scarring.
What is the Sclerotherapy success rate?
When performed correctly by expert hands the success rate is close to 90%.
How is it Done?
Sclerotherapy consists of repeated injections of a solution into the veins. This irritates the vein lining, causing a small, inconsequential clot in the vein. The vein is compressed with a bandage for a variable time depending on the size of the vein. With the blood flow stopped, the vein will dry up and eventually disappear.
This procedure is generally performed on the lower extremities. The solution is usually injected into the veins two or three times over a period of several weeks. Although the veins will generally begin to disappear within several weeks following treatment, it may take up to several months for them to go. This process may need to be repeated, depending on the degree of severity.
Most spider veins may be red, pink, violet or blue in color and are managed with injections. Some very small veins are unable to be injected and so are managed with IPL laser or diathermy.
Varicose veins, which are, pencil diameter or larger may be treated by injections or may require surgery. Sclerotherapy is carried out as an office procedure, usually requiring 20 minutes or longer per session. Generally, no more than one to two areas are treated at a time. For extensive vein treatment, several visits will be necessary.
After Effects?
Most patients experience minimal pain during the injection. Any discomfort is usually related to the irritation caused by the substance injected into the vein, but this will subside. Following the treatment, pressure is applied by bandage or tape for 5+ days. The bandage must be left on for 5 days even when showering. Occassionly the bandage may cause swelling and so may need loosening. Rest is not generally necessary, in fact, daily walking for at least 20 minutes after the treatment is strongly encouraged and normal activity may be resumed. After treatment if you have any problems or concerns contact your cosmetic practitioner anytime.
What Are the Risks?
Most patients experience minimal pain during the injection. Any discomfort is usually related to the irritation caused by the substance injected into the vein, but this will subside. Following the treatment, pressure is applied by bandage or tape for 5+ days. The bandage must be left on for 5 days even when showering. Occassionly the bandage may cause swelling and so may need loosening. Rest is not generally necessary, in fact, daily walking for at least 20 minutes after the treatment is strongly encouraged and normal activity may be resumed. After treatment if you have any problems or concerns contact your cosmetic practitioner anytime.
Very rarely deep vein thrombosis may develop requiring hospitalisation and may even cause blood clots to the lungs. You should discuss all of the risks and benefits with your cosmetic practitioner.
Will the treated veins come back?
Treated correctly, the veins will not come back, as the body has absorbed them. New veins however, may appear with time, as the same causative hereditary factors still exist. These new veins are generally less pronounced and can be easily treated. In some clients maintenance treatment is required to keep new vessel growth to a minimum.
How long is the recuperative period?
There is no ‘down’ time with this treatment. The client can return to work directly from the office and carry on with normal activities immediately although a bandage will need to be worn for 3-7 days.
Is Sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure; however, it should not be performed during pregnancy, on people unable to walk and those allergic to the solution used to inject the veins. Although complications of bruising, ulceration and clotting can be experienced they are usually mild and uncommon.
Should I wait until I have completed my family?
Becoming pregnant with existing varicose veins will only lead to the veins becoming significantly worse as the pregnancy develops. Phlebologists agree that treatment of varicose veins is best performed after pregnancies.
Our anti-aging cosmetic practitioners have been injecting varicose and spider veins for over 20 years. This level of experience ensures that you receive the expertise and precision that determines the success of the outcome in treating spider veins and varicose veins.