Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive and virtually painless way of treating varicose and spider veins.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting medications into varicose veins, which will irritate their inner walls, causing the veins to collapse and permanently close.
A majority of varicose veins can be treated by sclerotherapy. In fact, even the saphenous veins may be closed by this method. Sclerotherapy is done in the clinic and does not require downtime for recovery, so you don't have to take time off work or leisure. Additionally, sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia.
Let our experienced team at The Vein Treatment Centre book a consultation and advise you on whether sclerotherapy is the right treatment option.
Large veins may be better treated with endovenous laser or surgery. The long term success rate for sclerotherapy is less than Endovenous Laser but this is a good trade off for some patients and we can weight the pros and cons with you.
What Can I Expect From Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy requires several treatment sessions, depending on your individual needs. Each session takes about one half-hour and involves a number of tiny injections, according to the size and number of veins. Most patients find the injections minimally uncomfortable – like a pinprick. Bruising is normal and will fade in 2-3 weeks. There is no need for time off work, and moderate exercise is encouraged following treatment. When a larger vein is injected, we apply a compression pad, and during recovery, you'll have to wear compression stockings for five days.
Download our pdf to learn more about what to expect after treatment.
What Is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a form of varicose vein treatment that helps to treat veins under the skin. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, also known as echosclerotherapy, is used to treat veins that are difficult to see and inject. By using an ultrasound machine, deeper veins are easier to visualize, dramatically lowering the need for surgery.
This technique can replace surgery and is especially useful for veins that recur after surgery. The process works by using an ultrasound to examine and create an advanced map of the veins. After the map's creation our doctors will review it and find the abnormal veins before treatment.
The ultrasound allows us to see where the affected veins are and treat them accordingly. These veins are also treated with injection, causing the veins to collapse. Ultrasound is used during the sclerotherapy process to continue guiding our treatment.
A small amount of local anesthetic is infiltrated under the skin, and then a plastic-coated needle (catheter) is positioned in the vein. (The procedure is usually painless, as the area is numb from the local anesthetic). A medication (sclerosant), which closes the insufficient vein, will be carefully injected and monitored on the ultrasound screen with the catheter in place.
Download our pdf to learn more about what to expect after echosclerotherapy treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided
Sclerotherapy Aftercare
We place a Band-Aid over the area injected to provide compression and collapse the vein network. You will need to leave the bandage on for five days & five nights after the procedure and wear a medium strength compression stocking or two light compression stockings superimposed. Success rates are high, but in some cases, a second injection will be needed at a later date.
Our experienced team is happy to talk about aftercare with you once your procedure is complete, getting you on the path to healthy and beautiful legs.
Download our pdf to learn more about what to expect after echosclerotherapy treatment.
Calgary’s Leading Sclerotherapy Specialists
Curious about how sclerotherapy works and wondering if it's the right vein treatment option for you? Contact our team at The Vein Treatment Centre in Calgary to book a consultation and see how we can help.
Questions
Contact our office today and see how The Vein Treatment Centre can help with your situation.
What Happens At The First Visit?
We will ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your problem and general health history during the first visit. Following this, the nurse will review your medical history and obtain your blood pressure and leg measurements.
The doctor will then examine your legs from groin to toes and check blood flow with a Doppler ultrasound. We may arrange a colour flow duplex ultrasound assessment to provide a detailed map of your venous function and anatomy. Finally, we will review your diagnosis and create a custom treatment plan for your varicose veins.
Are There Any Risks?
When injecting larger veins, it is relatively common to develop a firm, tender cord or lumps along the vein. Tender cords and lumps are normal and indicate the vein has responded to the injection. Occasionally, a brownish pigmentation may develop in the skin overlying a treated vein. This gradually fades over several months, but in unusual instances, some discolouration remains.
There are several rare but potentially severe complications. Allergic reactions can occur with any medication, ranging from a slight rash or itch to a severe systemic reaction. There have been occasional reports of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the medical literature. When using foam medication to treat veins, patients occasionally notice brief visual symptoms, a dry cough, or migraine headaches.
Will The Varicose Veins Recur?
The veins treated by sclerotherapy are destroyed and cannot reappear again unless the treatment has been incomplete. However, sclerotherapy cannot alter your inherited tendency to form new varicosities.
How Will The Blood Circulate Post Treatment?
Many patients ask how the blood will get back to the heart after the veins have been closed by sclerotherapy. In fact, 90% of our blood return is handled by the deep venous system, which is never treated. Only the superficial veins, which carry 10% of the blood, can become varicose. Moreover, varicose veins are not functioning correctly, so the blood has already found other veins to circulate through.
Helpful Hints For Treatment
Before Treatment
Avoid Aspirin For One Week To Reduce Bruising
Do Not Wax Or Shave Your Legs The Day Of Treatment
Avoid Using Skin Lotion Before Treatment (Tape Will Not Stick)
Remember To Bring Your Compression Stockings
Reschedule If Ill With Fever
Avoid Injections For Two Week Period Before Vacation Or Travel
Eat Regular Meals To Prevent Feeling Faint
After Treatment
Wear Support Hose (Or Tensor) For Five To Seven Days
Walk For 10 Minutes Immediately Following The Injections
Walk Or Exercise Regularly Between Treatments But Avoid High Impact Exercise, Straining Or Weight Lifting For Days
Elevate Your Legs For 10 Minutes Following The Injections Before Getting Off The Treatment Table
If Legs Are Uncomfortable, Walk For 20 Minutes, Then Elevate
Drink 6-8 Glasses Of Water Daily
Avoid Sun Tanning & Hot Baths Or Showers In The Week After Treatment
Apply Ice To Lumpy, Healing Veins If Tender
If You Have Concerns, Including Pain, Swelling, Rash Or Hives Call The Office At 403-220-9353