Sclerotherapy

Many people suffer from problems related to varicose and spider veins. Treatment is sought to relieve pain as well as cosmetic improvement

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are small, thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin and appear red or blue. These small blood vessels may be short, unconnected lines or connected into a spider web or cluster pattern.

What happens during treatment?

A tiny needle is used to inject a medication (sclerosing solution) directly into the spider veins.

The solution acts to collapse and shrink the spider vein. The shrunken or sclerosed vein is absorbed and eventually fades.

What happens after the injecting session?

You will need to wear compression stockings continuously for the first 48 hours and then daytime for the next week. You will be advised by Dr Anita Hegde.

Repeat treatment sessions are usually the norm.
Several sclerotherapy sessions may be needed for any vein region since a vein may need to be injected more than once.

Is sclerotherapy painful?

The treatment involves multiple tiny pin pricks with a stinging or burning sensation

How successful is sclerotherapy?

After several treatments, most people can expect 50-90% improvement.
The fading process is gradual and may take a few months.
Maintenance treatments every few years or annually may be required.
Sclerotherapy does not prevent similar spider veins from appearing in the same area.