WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?

Sclerotherapy is a convenient form of treatment for capillaries (reticular veins and veins in the form of a cobweb) and for the treatment of less varicose veins  (as in the picture). It is usually used to treat capillaries visible to the naked eye, but can also be used to treat veins located in deep subcutaneous layers (ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy).

The treatment is performed by injecting a sclerosing agent into the vein, which irritates the wall of the vein, which in turn causes the spasm of the blood vessel and permanent closure. The injected solution may be in the form of liquid or foam. After the sclerosation, fibrous tissue spreads through the vein. The intervention does not require anaesthesia and hospitalization. After the procedure, the patient immediately returns to regular activities.   

During the treatment, the sclerosing agent is injected directly into the vein with a very small needle. The amount and concentration of the sclerosing solution depend on the diameter and distribution of the altered veins. The goal of the procedure is to trigger changes in the treated blood vessel, without damaging the surrounding structures.

ULTRASOUND-GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY (UGFS OR UGS)

This form of sclerotherapy may be used for the treatment of veins that  are located deeper and are not visible to the naked eye. Ultrasound is used to monitor the needle injecting the vein and the movement of the sclerosing agent.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SCLEROTHERAPY?

The patient must wear compression stockings for two weeks after the intervention. Multiple treatments are needed (two to three) to remove all changes.  The treatments are repeated every four to six weeks.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?

The most common complications after sclerotherapy are bruises and hyperpigmentation. The bruises usually disappear after two to three weeks. Changes such as pigmentation, including brown hyperpigmentation and “matting“(new red capillaries in the treated area) may last for months but are of transient character in most cases. Patients usually feel itching, minor burning on the place of injection. However, this is also of transient character.