Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is done to make varicose veins and spider veins look better and it helps to relieve aching, swelling, cramping, and pain in the legs. Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged, bulging, and twisted due to a damaged valve that causes blood to collect (pool) in the veins. Spider veins are small varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is usually done on the legs where varicose and spider veins occur most of the time.
Sclerotherapy usually works best for smaller spider and varicose veins. This procedure involves putting a chemical directly into the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. You may need more than one treatment to close a vein all the way. The number of veins treated in one session depends on the size and location of the veins, and on your overall medical condition.
Tell a health care provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any bleeding problems you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Infection.
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Bleeding or blood clots.
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Allergic reactions to medicines or to the chemicals being used, which are called sclerosing agents.
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Larger treated veins becoming lumpy or hard. This may last for several months before getting better.
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Small sores (ulcers) forming at the injection site.
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Red streaking in the groin area or bruising around the injection site.
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Brown lines or spots at the injection site. These usually disappear within 3 to 6 months, but in rare cases they can be permanent.
What happens before the procedure?
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. These include any diabetes medicines or blood thinners you take.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take them unless your health care provider tells you to.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Tests
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You may have an ultrasound of the affected area to check for blood clots and to check blood flow.
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In rare cases, you may have an X-ray procedure to check how blood flows through your veins (angiogram). For an angiogram, a dye is injected to highlight your veins on X-rays.
General instructions
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Do not use lotions or creams on your legs before the procedure unless your health care provider approves.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about what you may eat and drink.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Ask your health care provider what steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:
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Removing hair at the injection site.
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Washing skin with a soap that kills germs.
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What happens during the procedure?
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The treatment area will be cleaned.
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A small, thin needle is used to inject a chemical (sclerosant) into your varicose or spider veins. The sclerosant will irritate the lining of the vein and cause the vein to close below where the needle was put in. You may feel some stinging, burning, or irritation.
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The injection may be repeated for more than one varicose or spider vein.
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After the procedure, the area around where the needle was put in will be wrapped with elastic bandages.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What can I expect after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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The area around the injection site will be wrapped with elastic bandages. If there is bleeding, the bandages may be changed.
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After the treatment, you will be able to drive yourself home.
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Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have more redness, swelling, or pain around any injection sites.
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You have more fluid or blood coming from any injection sites.
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Any injection sites feel warm to the touch.
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You have pus or a bad smell coming from any injection sites.
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You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
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You have leg pain that gets worse when you walk.
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You have redness or swelling in your leg that is getting worse.
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You have trouble breathing.
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You have chest pain.
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Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
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Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is done to make varicose veins and spider veins look better and it helps to relieve aching, swelling, cramping, and pain in the legs.
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A small, thin needle is used to inject a chemical (sclerosant) into a spider vein or varicose vein to close it.
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Elastic bandages will be wrapped around any injection sites after the procedure.
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Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
