Sclerotherapy of Veins

Sclerotherapy is a safe and virtually painless non-surgical method to eliminate unsightly leg veins. Sclerotherapy was first developed in the 1800's. Since then, this simple medical procedure has been improved and perfected by practitioners in the United States and Europe.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Using the latest micro-injection techniques, Dr. Narins will inject small amounts of a mild sclerosing solution into your affected veins. The solution alters the vein wall, causing it to shrink. The natural cleansing action of your body absorbs the vein, and it disappears. Because blood flow is shifted to other healthy veins nearby, sclerotherapy actually improves the circulation of your legs. Meanwhile your unsightly varicose or spider veins are gone. So you look and feel better.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy For Treating Leg Veins

• Gets rid of unsightly veins
• Does not interfere with normal activities
• Decreases pain in legs
• Safe, virtually painless, in-office treatment
• Large varicose veins can be treated at the same time by a one-time in-office procedure called ambulatory phlebectomy

What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?

Several factors may be responsible for these conditions:

• family history
• your gender (women get varicose veins two to four times as often as men)
• pregnancy
• estrogens and birth control pills
• prolonged standing or sitting
• tight girdles or garter belts
• trauma to the leg

Does Sclerotherapy Require Hospitalization?

No, the procedure is performed in our office.

How Soon Will The Veins Disappear?

Treated veins disappear within three weeks to six months depending on their number and size.

How Many Treatments Are Necessary?

It depends on the number of areas that need to be treated as well as your response to sclerotherapy. It frequently takes several treatments per leg. Usually we treat one entire leg, alternating legs at two week intervals.

When Can I Resume Normal Activities?

You can resume normal activities right after your treatment.

Are There Other Methods of Treating Varicose Veins?

Yes. Larger vessels may need to be removed surgically in a procedure known as ambulatory phlebectomy, a one-time in-office procedure. Lasers can also be used for spider veins that are too small for Sclerotherapy which is the treatment of choice.

How Can I Prevent Varicose or Spider Veins?

Non-impact exercise like cycling, walking or rowing may help to prevent future varicosities by pumping blood up out of your legs and back toward your heart. Swimming may also be be beneficial since the mild water pressure on your legs drives blood out of the superficial veins. In addition, swimming puts your legs at the same level as your heart, further reducing pressure on your leg veins and venous valves. Reducing your weight, elevating your legs when possible, wearing low-heeled shoes, and using medically prescribed graduated support hose may also be helpful.