sclerotherapy varicose and reticular veins

Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Reticular Veins

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat varicose veins, reticular veins, and spider veins (telangiectasias). It involves injecting a specially selected sclerosing solution into the affected vein, causing the vein walls to collapse and seal closed. Over time, the treated vein is naturally absorbed by the body and blood flow is redirected to healthier veins.

Sclerotherapy can be performed for both medical symptoms and cosmetic concerns.

Conditions Commonly Treated

• Reticular veins (blue-green veins beneath the skin)
• Spider veins (telangiectasias)
• Small to medium-sized varicose veins
• Residual veins following EVLA treatment
• Recurrent varicose veins
• Venous matting in selected cases

How the Treatment Works

Using a very fine needle, a sclerosing solution is injected directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.

Depending on the size and location of the vein, treatment may involve:

• Microsclerotherapy for spider veins and small reticular veins.
• Foam sclerotherapy for larger reticular veins and selected varicose veins.
• Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for deeper veins that are not visible on the skin surface.

Benefits May Include

• Improvement in the appearance of visible veins
• Reduction in aching, heaviness, and leg discomfort
• Improvement in leg fatigue and swelling related to venous disease
• Minimally invasive treatment
• No general anaesthetic required
• No surgical incisions
• Quick return to normal activities

Typical Treatment Protocol

• Initial consultation and duplex ultrasound assessment where indicated.
• Treatment sessions lasting approximately 15–45 minutes.
• Multiple injections may be performed during a single session.
• Several treatment sessions may be required depending on the extent of the veins.
• Compression stockings are commonly recommended following treatment.

Recovery

Most patients can:

• Walk immediately after treatment.
• Return to normal daily activities the same day.
• Resume work immediately or within 24 hours.

Regular walking is encouraged following treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Common temporary side effects include:

• Mild bruising
• Tenderness
• Localized swelling
• Temporary skin discoloration (brown pigmentation)
• Small lumps within treated veins
• Temporary itching

These effects usually improve over time.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although uncommon, potential complications may include:

• Skin pigmentation changes
• Matting (development of fine new vessels)
• Superficial thrombophlebitis
• Skin ulceration (rare)
• Allergic reaction (rare)
• Deep vein thrombosis (very rare)
• Incomplete vein closure requiring additional treatment

Additional and Alternative Treatment Options

Depending on the severity and type of venous disease, treatment options may include:

• Compression therapy
• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
• Laser treatment of telangiectasias
• Ambulatory phlebectomy (vein removal)
• Observation and monitoring

Important Information

For patients with larger varicose veins, a duplex ultrasound examination is often recommended to identify underlying vein reflux. Treating the underlying reflux with procedures such as EVLA may improve the success and longevity of sclerotherapy.