Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for spider and varicose veins on the legs. Facial and hand veins may also be treated with sclerotherapy.
During treatment, a mild chemical solution is injected into the incompetent vein or capillary. The sclerosing agent irritates the walls of the vessel, causing it to collapse. The body then absorbs the vein and blood is re-routed to a healthy vein, restoring proper venous circulation in the area.
Following treatment, the treated area is wrapped with a compression garment for several hours to help keep the vein closed. The patient can resume normal daily activities immediately, although compression stockings may need to be worn for 1-3 days after the procedure, depending on the vein size.
Age revealing veins on the back of the hands can also be reduced with sclerotherapy.
At Advancements in Dermatology, we also offer foam sclerotherapy, a new form of delivering the sclerosing agent. The foam solution has the consistency of shaving cream, which improves treatment in two distinct ways.
First, the foam displaces blood within the vein, permitting the full strength of the sclerosing agent to be in direct contact with the vein wall for an extended period of time without any dilution effects.
Second, the foam is visible via ultrasound imaging and can be easily tracked and guided to the source of the troubled vein.
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