Leg Veins - Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

Who gets leg veins and why?

Abnormal or unsightly leg veins are a common condition, occurring in up to 60% of the population. They are more common in women than men and incidence increases with age.

Genetics and family history contribute strongly to the development of abnormal or unsightly leg veins. Other contributing factors include obesity, standing for long periods of time, pregnancies, use of the oral contraceptive pill and other hormonal or mechanical factors. Trauma may also cause the development of leg veins in a localized area.

Types of Leg Veins

Telangiectasias (Spider Veins)

These are fine, superficial veins that may appear reddish or bluish, alone or in clusters or sprays. They may be fed by feeding or reticular veins (larger bluish vessels).

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are abnormally dilated veins that may bulge above the surface of the skin. They are caused by dysfunction of the valves within the veins or an underlying problem with the deep venous system. These veins are often associated with aching and other symptoms. Assessment

Your doctor will ask you several questions about your medical and vein history and examine your legs. In some cases, further investigation with a leg ultrasound will be required.

Treatment - Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a solution with a very fine needle directly in to the blood vessel.

Which veins can be treated?

'Broken capillaries' or 'spider veins' on legs can be treated with sclerotherapy. Some vessels may be too large to be treated but your doctor will advise. Some small veins on the face can also be treated.

What can I expect after a treatment?

The vessels may appear more prominent for 1-2 weeks after the treatment, and the injection sites can be red and raised. You may experience an ache in the legs for a day or two that is relieved by walking. Bruising is common after sclerotherapy. You may need between 1 and 6 treatments to get optimal results. Walking for approximately 1/2 an hour a day is encouraged, and prolonged standing should be avoided for 2 weeks. A compression stocking is usually required for a week after each treatment. This will help the treated veins to close and relieve aching and swelling.

Are there any side effects?

Allergies are rare but can occur. Other complications that can occur include; small lumps in the veins, brown pigmentation around the injection sites, the loss of skin around injection sites (ulcer), and migraines. All of these will resolve with time. A more detailed list of possible complications will be explained to you during your consultation.

Will they reappear?

Usually Yes - veins will re-form over time. Most people return every couple of years for maintenance treatments.

Treatment - Laser

Some small leg veins can be treated with vascular lasers applied to the outside of the skin. This is not suitable for larger veins.

The treatment of leg veins with laser is an evolving area of medical practice and may become more widely used in the future. APSA has two types of lasers dedicated to treating these types of problems. The laser light passes through the skin and coagulates the targeted vein, discomfort is minimal and no external wound is produced.

In some cases, large veins can be treated by endo-venous laser ablation, but his is not performed in our clinic.

Treatment - Other

Some larger veins require treatment other than can be provided at Adelaide Plastic Surgery Associates. Appropriate referral can be made if required after investigation and assessment. These treatments include Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Surgery. 

Other Body Plastic Surgery procedures