Depending on the seriousness of your condition, sclerotherapy treatment for spider and varicose veins can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. If the treatment is on your legs, your doctor may have you lie on your back or stomach with legs elevated.
Ultrasound may be used during the procedure depending on how far below your skin the damaged vein is.
To begin, your doctor will clean the skin around the targeted veins. With a small needle, sclerosing agent will be injected into the damaged vein. Sclerosing agents typically used in sclerotherapy include:
- polidocanol
- sodium tetradecyl sulfate
- hypertonic saline solutions
St. Johns Vein Center prefers to use polidocanol as this is more comfortable for the patient and a much higher quality than using saline or sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Typically saline solutions can cause uncomfortable burning sensation and also can create skin dis coloration around the treated areas.
The liquid or foam solutions cause the walls of the injected vein to seal shut, so blood is redirected to unaffected veins. Over time, your body absorbs the damaged vein, making it less visible and uncomfortable.
Up to four treatments may be required depending on the size and severity or your veins.
