Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a sclerosing solution is injected into a blood vessel with a fine needle.  This action causes the lining of blood vessels to swell and shrink thereby eliminating the incompetent veins.  After the sclerosing agent has been injected, the vein fades to a point where it is no longer visible.

From 10 – 30 blood vessels can be injected per session.  Discomfort is minimal because the needles used are very small.

Because of the manner in which veins feed each other, veins are treated starting at the top of the legs. 

Veins may sometimes have to be injected more than once before they become less apparent because larger veins “feed” smaller veins so large veins must be treated first.

Though you may experience some initial bruising you can expect a significant improvement
in the appearance of leg veins after several treatments.  Full results may not be apparent for about 3 months.

Redness and bruising following treatment usually disappear within a few weeks.  You may also experience an aching feeling in your legs for the first day or two following treatment.

You may be asked to wear elastic support hose following your sclerotherapy treatments.

Though rare, the possible side effects of sclerotherapy include brown marks on the skin, allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent and ulcers (more common in patients who smoke cigarettes). 

While the veins treated by sclerotherapy will not come back, new blood vessels will appear over time.

To avoid a recurrence of broken capillaries, we recommend:

·         physical exercise

·         elastic stockings

·         avoidance of standing for long periods

·         you keep your weight normal