What is Sclerotherapy? 

Sclerotherapy is a “non-surgical” method for the treatment of unwanted Varicose Veins and Spider Veins. This is a treatment used at the MediSpa in Cape Town, JHB and Durban.

A doctor uses a very fine needle to inject a sclerosing solution into the veins that causes the vein to contract and the vein walls to stick to each other which will cause the vein to disappear. The injected veins become inflamed, blood is then unable to flow through them and ultimately, the body absorbs these non-functioning vessels.

 

Does Sclerotherapy Work for Everyone?

The majority of persons who have Sclerotherapy will see good improvement. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Approximately 10% of patients who undergo Sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. (“Poor results” means that the veins have not totally disappeared after six treatments.) In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

This abnormal functioning can result because of genetic predisposition (runs in the family), overweight, hormonal changes, pregnancy, long periods of standing (occupation related) and other medical diseases may also aggravate this condition.

 

The majority of people who have Sclerotherapy will see good improvement. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that Sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. (“Poor results” means that the veins have not totally disappeared after six treatments.) In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after Sclerotherapy treatment.

 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient depending on the extents of Varicose and Spider Veins present. Six (6) or more treatments may be needed. The average is three to four treatments. However, there is no guarantee that multiple treatments will clear all veins. The best thing to do is to come in for a consultation at either the MediSpa in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban (whichever one is closest to you). While Sclerotherapy is a safe and highly effective, more than one treatment is usually required to clear or improve unsightly veins to a patient’s satisfaction. A small minority of patients do not improve even after six treatments. In rare instances the patient’s condition may worsen after treatment.

 

What are the Most Common Side Affects?

1. Itching: Depending upon the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts one 1 -2 hours but may persist for a day or so.

 

2. Bruising: Lasts from one to several weeks. Use of support hose may be recommended and avoidance of alcohol and anticoagulant medication for 72 hours prior to each treatment session may minimize effect.

 

3. Transient Hyperpigmentation: Approximately ten percent (10%) of the patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure (but then go away). In rare instances, this darkening of the vein may persist for 4 -12 months.

 

4. Pain: A few patients may experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising, usually at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting 1 to at most 7 days.

5. Sloughing: Sloughing occurs in less than one percent (1%) of the patients who receives Sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site, which heals slowly over 1 to 2 months. A blister may form, open and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal color. This usually represents injection into or near a small artery and is not preventable.

 

6. Allergic Reactions: Very rarely a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients who have a history of allergies.

 

7. Blood Accumulation in Treated Vessel: This may present as a tender bump at a treatment site. The use of prescribed compression hosiery will minimize this possibility (especially when treating Reticular Veins).

 

8. Telanglectatic Matting: This term refers to the development of tiny new blood vessels in the treated area. This temporary phenomenon occurs 2 to 4 weeks after treatment and usually resolves within 4 to 6 months. It occurs in up to eighteen percent (18%) of women on estrogen therapy and in two percent (2%) to four percent (4%) of all patients.

 

9. Ankle Swelling: Ankle swelling may occur after treatment of blood vessels in the foot or ankle. It usually resolves in a few days and is lessened by wearing the prescribed support stockings.

 

10. Phlebitis: Phlebitis is a very rare complication seen in approximately 1 out of every one thousand (1,000 patients treated for varicose veins greater than 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter. The possible dangers of phlebitis include a pulmonary embolus or blood clot, which travels to the lungs and post-phlebitis syndrome, which can result in permanent swelling of the legs.