The sclerotherapy injection process is a cosmetic procedure that is performed in order to reduce the appearance of spider veins. Approximately half of all adult women are affected by these red, purple, or blue veins that appear on the thighs, calves and ankles. Not only are these veins displeasing to the eye, they can also cause physical pain, aching, burning, swelling, and night cramps. The sclerotherapy injection process is a procedure designed to diminish the appearance of currently visible spider veins.

Spider veins (medically termed telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities) develop as a result of aging, genetics, pregnancy, hormonal changes, long periods of sitting or standing, and the use of some medications. Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins which may not be treated through the sclerotherapy injection process. The sclerotherapy injection process injects a sclerosing agent into the spider veins of the lower extremities. This causes the treated veins to collapse and fade from view. More than one round of the sclerotherapy injection process is necessary in order to fully achieve the desired effects.

Good candidates for this procedure are typically women between the age of 30 and 60 who are not pregnant or breast feeding. Men can benefit from the sclerotherapy injection process but are not as likely to develop spider veins. Those males who do have this problem often have hair on their legs that conceals the appearance of spider veins. Patients who suffer from blood borne diseases including AIDS and hepatitis, circulation problems, heart conditions, or diabetes may also not be good candidates for the sclerotherapy injection process. Patients should discuss their current and past medical history, their expectations and all risks and benefits of the sclerotherapy injection process with their doctor before beginning treatment.

Prior to the sclerotherapy injection process, a cosmetic surgeon will map out the vein condition and may use a handheld ultra-sound machine to detect any backflow within the venous system. The sclerotherapy injection process itself takes about 15 to 45 minutes to complete. The patient will be lie down on the medical examination table and prepped for the sclerotherapy injection process. Once the site has been cleaned the sclerotherapy injection process involves injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected vein areas. One injection is usually administered per inch and each session averages a total of five to forty injections. During the sclerotherapy injection process the patient is awake and normally feels nothing worse that a slight burning and/or pinching sensation at the injection sites.

After the sclerotherapy injection process is complete the patient's legs will be wrapped in compression tape and support hose may be worn for the first few days. Cramping in the legs is common in the first few days after the sclerotherapy injection process. Veins will appear worse before they get better. Patients are encouraged to walk around during the recovery period. After one month a patient may go in for the second sclerotherapy injection process. After a few sessions the results will be permanent and the appearance of spider veins greatly diminished. If you would like to learn more about the sclerotherapy injection process, please contact us to consult with a surgeon in your area.