SCLEROTHERAPY
Learn about the best treatments for ongoing relief
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy treatment has been used in the US since the 1930s and is one of the most popular treatments for smaller varicose veins and larger spider veins. The treatment is quick and effective and can be administered in the office. Using a very fine needle, much smaller than the needles you’re typically familiar with, the doctor injects a scarring agent, known as a sclerosant, into the affected vein. The treatment is virtually painless and does not require any numbing creams or another anesthetic. However, during the procedure, you may experience a mild discomfort and require over-the-counter pain medication.
You can immediately resume normal activities but should not exercise heavily for the first 48 hours. Over time, the vein scars and faces away. Patients with varicose veins can see results between 3 and 6 weeks.
Dr. Naifeh will discuss Sclerotherapy with you and inform you of exactly what to expect during your treatment.
Sclerotherapy Treatment
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, most vein procedures are done to remove varicose veins or to close them. Once the dysfunctional vein is removed, blood naturally begins to flow through other healthy veins with no negative impact. Some common side effects may include bruising, swelling, skin discoloration, and slight pain. Those after effects tend to be more severe with vein stripping, which is why we consider that procedure somewhat outdated and typically do not recommend it. Based on his 20 years’ of experience with vein disorders, Dr. Jerome Naifeh prefers to use the more high-tech, proven and less invasive vein treatment: sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy closes off a varicose vein without surgery. We inject a chemical designed to cause irritation and scarring within the vein itself. The chemical works to close off varicose veins and spider veins, then they simply fade away. Sclerotherapy can be used on small varicose veins and spider veins in a very easy office procedure that doesn’t even require you to sit down. Several treatments over time, usually 4 to 6 weeks, produce the best results. After each treatment, your legs will be bandaged to help decrease swelling and encourage healing.
Foam Sclerotherapy Revolutionizes Vein Care:
One of the latest advancements in treating varicose veins is foam sclerotherapy. We inject foam that mixes medication with air, serving to increase the surface area covered by the chemical. Thick foam is better able to displace and seal off the blood flow in the affected varicose vein. In addition to various types of sclerotherapy treatments, we also provide other types of treatments for varicose veins, spider veins and venous reflux disease:
Phlebectomy
VNUS Closure