| Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy remains the "gold standard" in the treatment of telangiectasias or spider veins. Spider veins are tiny veins, visible through the skin. This technique involves injecting a sclerosing agent into a small varicose vein or spider veins. The sclerosing agent irritates the wall of the abnormal vessel, causing it to collapse and seal off.
FAQ regarding Sclerotherapy 
Guidelines on Sclerotherapy 
Sclerotherapy is not recommended in the following circumstances.
- If you are pregnant or bedridden
- If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the overall health of the area needing treatment as well as the reason for the clot.
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
This method is used as an alternative to surgery for large varicose veins. The main surface is vein is injected with a special foam under ultrasound guidance. The foam destroys the lining of the vein and a firm bandage is applied to the leg. This type of injection is suitable for treating the main surface veins as well as varicose veins. The procedure does not require an operating theatre and is usually carried out in a consulting room or treatment room. The injection causes only trivial discomfort.
Advantage.
Stripping of the vein is avoided and there is little or no discomfort after treatment. There is less bruising than following surgery. There is no need for general anaesthetic, incisions in the leg or an operating theatre. Re-treatment for further varices is simple. The cost of treatment is much less than for surgical treatment or for either VNUS Closure or Laser treatment.
Disadvantage.
The treatment produces mild discomfort in the leg which may last for 2 - 4 weeks. It also produces mild bruising which may last for several months following treatment. The final outcome may take several months to evolve following treatment, and this is longer than would be taken following surgery. The long term outcome of this procedure has not been established.
More on foam Sclerotherapy
Prducts used for sclerotherapy
Guidelines for reducing some side-effects of sclerotherapy:
 Raise your legs whenever possible with your feet above the level of your heart.
 Exercise every day. Walking, cycling, climbing stairs and swimming are excellent ways to keep your calf muscles in motion.
When sitting for prolonged periods, move your legs frequently. moving your ankles and flexing calf muscles will help keep blood moving in your legs. Avoid sitting for extended periods.
Wear compression stockings. Graduated compression provides external pressure (like e.g. the valves in the veins) to aid in blood return to the heart. Compression stockings provide an effective non-operative option for symptom control. Compression is required for most vein surgery recovery.
Side effects
You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. There are milder effects, such as itching, which can last for one or two days after the procedure. Also, you may experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection side and can last several days or weeks
Call your doctor following sclerotherapy treatment if:
- If the injection site is painful
- A sore or tender lump develops on or near the injection site
- You have swelling in the feet or ankles
- Your leg suddenly becomes swollen and painful
- Skin over a varicose vein bleeds on its own or when injured
- You have any other symptoms that cause concern
For your information:
This page has been provided for your information and to answer common questions. This web-site has been prepared to answer questions about a variety of circulatory problems, ranging from cosmetic blemishes through to more serious underlying circulatory problems.
The site is intended to be a simple guide, answering commonly asked questions. It does not replace a formal consultation with a vascular or vein specialist, who will be in a better position to
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