Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy diminishes varicose and spider veins by using tiny needle injections of medication that collapse the vein, which is later absorbed into the body.

In most cases of sclerotherapy, a salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into your vein. The solution irritates the lining of your blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and your blood to clot. Over time, your vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

After the procedure, your treated vein(s) will no longer be able to fill with blood, forcing the blood to reroute through healthier veins. You can resume normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy. However, you should avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks. It is important to move your legs or walk throughout the day to help the veins heal.

You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. Milder effects, such as itching, can last for one or two days after the procedure. You may also experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection site, lasting several days or weeks. The same vein may need to be treated more than once. Treatments are usually done every six to eight weeks.