Sclerotherapy
Fine-needle injections designed to treat spider and varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Fine-needle injections designed to treat spider and varicose veins.
Understanding Spider and Varicose Veins
Spider and varicose veins are a common concern amongst both men and women. Veins are thin-walled vessels that can become more prominent for a number of reasons.
Suggested causes of spider veins and varicose veins include one, or more likely a combination of:
- Inherited genetic factors
- Valve incompetence
- Pregnancy
- Ageing
- Increased abdominal pressures (squatting/straining)
- Prolonged standing
Sclerotherapy for Problem Veins
Sclerotherapy has been the treatment of choice for spider veins and varicose veins for many years. It involves using a fine needle to inject a medication called a sclerosing agent into the veins of concern. This medication irritates the lining of the vessels causing them to swell, and over a course of treatments, the vessels heal themselves and gradually reduce in size becoming less visible with the end goal of them closing over the following months.
Consultation
At your initial consultation your Doctor will take a full history and examine your legs in order to classify the degree of venous incompetence. In some cases, an ultrasound may be ordered to assess the deeper venous system.
Your Doctor will spend time discussing the risks and benefits of sclerotherapy, so together a decision can be made as to whether this is the right treatment for you.
Treatment
Optimal results usually require 3–4 sessions, spaced about 4 weeks apart. Each session lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and extent of the veins being treated. Most patients tolerate the treatment very well, with minimal discomfort.
After your pre-treatment assessment, your doctor may recommend wearing compression garments to support healing and improve results.
Book a consult to discuss your treatment plan and determine the number of sessions that’s right for you.
