WISCONSIN VEIN INSTITUTE
1841 Ridge Road Suite 2 • Green Bay, WI • Phone: 920.884.VEIN (8346) • Fax: 920.884.7757 |
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OUR VEIN TREATMENT SERVICES – Sclerotherapy |
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| Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for vein disease, particularly spider veins and certain varicose veins. A tiny needle is used to inject a dilute sclerosant solution into the involved vein, destroying the lining of the vein. This causes it to collapse, scar and finally be reabsorbed by the body. The procedure causes little discomfort. The patient must wear Elastic compression hose for a time after each treatment. The time duration depends upon the size of the veins and may vary from two days to two weeks. There are three general types of sclerotherapy in current practice in modern phlebology: |
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Traditional Sclerotherapy
A dilute liquid solution of appropriate sclerosant (there are several) is injected into the abnormal vein under direct vision, frequently using magnification. |
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Foam Sclerotherapy
The sclerosing solution is actually injected as a foam rather than as a liquid. This is the latest and most modern technique. It is more effective and requires fewer needle sticks than traditional methods. It can be used with both direct injection and ultrasound guided approaches.
Post Procedure Recovery
Patients usually resume normal activity immediately. Treated Spider Veins will turn red/angry for a week or two after treatment and may take up to six weeks to completely disappear. Compression stockings will be worn for two days to two weeks depending on the procedure. |
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| Post-Treatment Instructions For Sclerotherapy |
| Some burning is to be expected. The treated vein will initially turn red/angry. This will fade over one to two weeks. The veins may be visible for up to six to eight weeks after treatment. |
| Blood may become trapped in a treated vein causing a hard tender lump to form. You should make an appointment for follow up two weeks after your procedure. At that time we will aspirate any trapped blood. Though the trapped blood will usually dissolve on its own, it can lead to staining of the skin which can take several months or longer to fade. |
| For best results we recommend wearing thigh-high graduated compression stockings with 30-20 mmHg compression continuously for the first 48 hours, then daily for one week following the procedure. While showering wear a clean plastic trash liner over the stocking for the two days. You may take a bath provided you keep the treated leg out of the water. You may choose to wear the stockings longer if you like. Please remember to put your stockings on while you are lying flat, if you can. |
| You are encouraged to walk for 15 minutes two to three times per day especially the first seven days. Walking reduces the pressure on the superficial venous system and serves to increase blood flow in the deep venous system. Please avoid running, jumping, aerobics, swimming or heavy lifting for two weeks after the procedure. Please avoid standing for longer than five to ten minutes at a time for the first few days as this will increase pressure in the venous system of the legs. |
| Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure for three days after EVLA or Sclerotherapy. |
| You should resume taking all your required medications after any treatment including aspirin or plavix. We recommend you take Ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) 600 mg three times per day for one to two weeks as directed for leg pain or cramping associated with treatment. You may also add Tylenol 650 mg one to two times per day to help decrease inflammation. You should avoid putting any lotion or creams on your leg(s) for 72 hours after any treatment. |
| For sclerotherapy you should schedule your next treatment two to four weeks after your most recent treatment. |
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