Sclerotherapy
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 different treatment . These treatments include
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
Endovenous Laser Therapy