Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment used to eliminate small spider veins by injecting a sclerosing solution into the veins. This causes the lining of the vessel wall to swell, stick together, and ultimately collapse. The body reabsorbs the veins over time. The blood inside the vein clots and is reabsorbed.

In general, several treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, are needed. Multiple vessels can be injected in a given treatment session. A single blood vessel may need to be injected several sessions before it completely fades.

Sclerotherapy is performed as an outpatient procedure without any downtime. Routine physical activities can be resumed immediately afterwards.

Large varicose veins may be more effectively treated by surgical removal known as phlebectomy (vein stripping), radiofrequency closure or endovenous laser surgery. The latter two procedures involve placing a catheter into the femoral vein. The catheter is moved through the vein and delivers thermocoagulation energy or laser energy destroying unwanted sections of dilated vein.