Sclerotherapy - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Sclerotherapy
Overview:
Sclerotherapy is a technique designed to shut down unsightly spider veins on legs, thighs, face or other body areas. Several substances can be injected to cause this effect. While providing identical results and downtime, detergents/foaming agents are generally considered painless while hypertonic saline injections are uncomfortable.
Sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of larger spider veins. It is often followed by several sclerolaser treatments which resolve extremely fine vessels that did not take to sclerotherapy.
Expected results:
Seventy percent reduction of spider veins after a series of treatments.
Preparation:
Avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 10 days. Depending on the examination, ultrasound may be necessary to exclude reflux, which may hamper treatment success. If reflux is detected, a consultation with a vascular surgeon may be necessary to remove underlying varicosities.
Post treatment instructions:
Compression stockings 20-30 mmHg or higher for 6 weeks, sun avoidance for 3 months, avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 3 days.
Time to desired results:
The reduction of spider veins can be seen 6 to 8 weeks after each treatment on the lower extremity; facial veins and those on the trunk usually respond faster.
Duration of desired effects:
5-7 years. After this time, our body will form new vessels, especially in genetically determined spider veins.
Limitations:
We do not perform treatments to veins on hands or on the upper or lower eyelids. Ankle veins are challenging to treat.
Contraindications:
History of bleeding or clotting disorders, diabetes, certain auto-immune disorders, pregnancy/breastfeeding, allergy to Sotrodecol or Polidocanol.
Downtime:
Up to 3 months of bruising or hyperpigmentation.