Treatment Options:

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Email: info@muskokamedispa.ca

Office / Postal Address
46B King William St.
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1G3

Vein Solutions

Treatment Options : Sclerotherapy

The Procedure
Sclerotherapy is a technique which involves the use of a fine needle to inject a solution (sclerosant) directly into the target veins. The solution causes irritation of the vein lining and eventual collapse and sealing of the blood vessel.

Larger veins are usually treated first. After the skin is thoroughly cleansed with alcohol, the physician uses a syringe with a tiny needle to inject a small amount of sclerosing solution directly into a vein.

Sclerotherapy can be effective for the very small "spider veins", and some moderately sized bulging veins can be injected. Feeding or reticular veins are also effectively treated with sclerotherapy. Identification and injection of these veins can be facilitated by the use of the VeinliteTM. Larger veins are not as effective when treated with sclerotherapy and may be better suited to other treatment modalities.

Sclerotherapy is usually painless though there may be a minimal stinging or burning sensation as the sclerosant is injected.

Usually custom fitted graduated compression bandages or stockings are required after sclerotherapy in order to obtain the best results. They are often worn for a few days or longer at the doctor's discretion. Compression helps to keep the treated veins collapse and there is evidence that it improves the cosmetic result in most forms of sclerotherapy. They are also the best way to help reduce recurrences and maintain results. Compression stockings are sold at medical supply stores and are also available for fitting and purchase at the Muskoka Vein Centre. Prices vary, and stockings generally last from 4 to 6 months and are covered by many insurance plans.

Results
It should be understood that sclerotherapy is not a miracle cure. Varicose and spider veins are usually a chronic and recurring condition. Neither injection therapy nor anything else will return the skin of the lower extremities to the way it was as a teenager. Certainly, most of the objectionable veins can be obliterated, and the legs can be brought to a point where they will appear acceptable under sheer stockings. Nevertheless small blemishes inevitably remain that are visible to the naked eye. The process will usually require several treatments to obtain acceptable results for most patients.

Complications
Serious complications following sclerotherapy are rare. The potential exists for:

Allergic reaction. Ulceration; this will eventually heal leaving a small scar, or may be removed surgically. Deep venous thrombosis; clots in the deep venous system which are potentially very dangerous. The risk is very small when small veins are treated but it occasionally follows sclerotherapy of larger varicose veins. (This is another reason why we prefer other more effective options for large veins). Deep venous thrombosis is more likely in those predisposed to blood clotting through inherited disorders, lack of exercise, air travel, after major operations and other reasons.

The following occur more frequently:
Staining or brown pigmentation may occur at the site or along the line of the vein. This occurs in 10-30% of patients. In most cases this resolves but it may take many months. Clots may appear within the treated vessels. These are not dangerous but can be quite tender if they occur in the larger veins. They can be removed through a needle prick if necessary, but left alone they will eventually be reabsorbed. Temporary bruising at the injection sites is quite common but resolves within a week or so. Telangiectatic matting or blushing refers to the appearance of new veins at or near previously injected veins and occurs in approximately 15% of patients after sclerotherapy especially in those taking exogenous estrogen, it may be permanent in some cases but usually resolves after several months.

Ultra-sound guided sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat underlying incompetent veins. An ultrasound machine is utilized to visualize the underlying vein so the physician can deliver and monitor the sclerosant injection safely and effectively. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is an alternative to vein stripping and endovenous techniques, it can be used to complement these other procedures. The complications are the same as for standard sclerotherapy.

Pre & Post Sclerotherapy Treatment Instructions