Sclerotherapy is a procedure that efficiently removes small varicose veins and spider veins. It is the treatment of choice to eliminate small varicose veins on the legs. The procedure consists of injecting a solution directly into the vein. The thickness of the veins that can be injected fluctuates between 0.2 to 3 mm. The solution induce collapse of the small vein, forcing the blood to circulate through deeper and healthier veins. The collapsed vein is then reabsorbed by the tissues and disappears.
The session of sclerotherapy lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on how many veins need to be injected. 50% of the treated veins disappear in 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure. In some cases, multiple sclerotherapy treatments may be needed to achieve the desired response. The treatment could then be repeated 1-2 times per year.
Sclerotherapy is only indicated to treat small superficial veins. It is not used to treat large or bulging veins. The treatment is very effective and virtually free of complications since only the small veins on the skin are injected. Some patients may have mild pain or bruising at the injection site for 1 or 2 days after the procedure.