Sclerotherapy

Treatment performed by a physician only. Sclerotherapy is a micro-injection technique in which a concentrated saline solution is injected into the unwanted small blood vessels using an extremely fine needle. This dries out the cells that line the blood vessels with scar tissue, so they cease to carry blood and therefore are no longer visible. The appearance of the vessels may continue to improve for up to one or two months after the treatment.

You will be rescheduled for an evaluation one month after your treatment. Each injection will cause a brief stinging sensation. Bandages will be applied to each injection site, and you will be asked to purchase and wear compression stockings to maintain pressure on the treated veins. Although each patient is different, most patients will need 2 to 3 treatments (separated by at least a month).

The goal is to produce about a 75% improvement. Between treatments, you are free to carry on your normal activities. You should keep the bandages on your legs dry and in place until the next morning. At that time, you may bathe and remove the bandages. Wear your compression stockings for the first night, then only during the day for the next 1-2 weeks. You should walk at least 30 minutes a day, starting the day of the procedure, for at least a week. Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, and weight machines for your legs for the first week.