Sclerotherapy
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the injection of a sclerosing liquid, through an extremely fine needle, causing microscopic damage to the cells lining the vein. The internal walls of the vein become ‘sticky' and close up. This prevents further flow of blood through the vessels. The body's own immune system then clears away the dead vessels.
What does it feel like?
The sclerosing agent is used in tiny amounts and causes a brief tingling sensation as the agent enters the vessels.
What happens after sclerotherapy?
For a day or two after treatment the injection sites look rather like insect bites, but these subside quickly. Small bruises will be visible at the injection sites but will fade within a week or two. For one or two weeks the veins will probably appear more prominent than before treatment but will then usually begin to fade and continue to do so for up to eight weeks or longer. From 4 to 6 weeks later, remaining veins can be re-injected to reduce them further.
What are the possible complications of sclerotherapy?
Complications of sclerotherapy are rare but can occur. Following treatment some patients develop brown discolouration of the skin, which is due to the deposition of an iron-containing pigment (haemosiderin) in the skin. This pigment may take time to fade away or, in very rare cases, can be permanent, although we have never experienced this.
Other much rarer complications include a reaction to the agent, causing inflammation at the injection sites. If these are not treated correctly, small superficial ulcers can form. In our experience, this is extremely rare.
For these reasons, pregnant or breast feeding women will be asked to postpone treatment and patients taking certain medications (such as anticoagulants) will be advised against sclerotherapy. All clients are given a medical evaluation and post treatment advice to minimise any risk of complications.
What can I do after treatment?
If the treated area is a little sore or dry then the application of aloe vera gel may help. After both VeinWave therapy and sclerotherapy it is quite safe to perform normal daily activities and gentle exercise is encouraged, with the exception of swimming which should be avoided until the skin is completely healed.
Work-outs and weights should be avoided as the increased blood pressure will put extra pressure on the treated veins and can render the treatment ineffective.
