Venous Treatment - Sclerotherapy

The spider veins and small varicosities are treated using sclerotherapy. The treatment sessions vary in length depending on the size of the areas to be treated. it is not unusual to perform multiple sessions over several weeks.  Sodium tetradecyl (Sotradecol) in varying concentrations or a 2:1 mixture of glycerine and lidocaine with epinephrine are used  for optimum results and minimum side effects and complications. Although painful, almost all patients tolerate the procedure. We typically inject 0.1 to 0.2 ml of solution at a time using the smallest needles possible (32g). Pain is common during the procedure and can last for a few hours or up to a few days after treatment. However, most patients describe the pain as mild and does not require more than a few analgesic tablets for pain relief. Compression is required after the treatment and is provided  by means of  class 2 support stockings. Normal physical activities are not restricted and exercising can be resumed after a day. It is recommended that the patients wear the stockings daily throughout the scheduled sessions and for several weeks afterward. Besides pain, there can be bruising and dark pigmentation of the treated veins. These will gradually resolve over time. Clearing of the treated spider veins can continue for up to 12 months. However, new varicosities can develop in the interim, which is why we recommend periodic reevaluation and retreatment.