Sclerotherapy Treatment in St. Louis
Sclerotherapy is a treatment using a tiny needle to inject a medication called sclerosant into the veins, irritating the lining of the veins, causing them to close. Sclerotherapy is also used to treat both varicose and spider veins that are seen on the surface of the leg. Problematic larger superficial veins [called varicose veins] are typically “ropey” and visible just below the surface of the skin. Sclerotherapy can help relieve symptoms due to varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy of spider and varicose veins is usually done without ultrasound guidance. At the St Louis Laser Vein Center we primarily use Asclera or or Polidocanol as medication for treatment.
Once the underlying problems are treated in the refluxing saphenous vein with an EVLT, the remaining branches below the skin are treated. Deep branches are best treated with sclerotherapy performed with ultrasound guidance.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is done with either a liquid or “foamed” sclerosant while Dr. Wright monitors the vein on an ultrasound screen. Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy enables treatment of unseen veins below the surface of the skin otherwise requiring surgical removal. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications.
The last step is treating the superficial veins in top most layer of the skin, often called “spider veins.” Spider veins are caused by dilation of the most superficial veins in the skin. A vein light is often used for these tiny veins to illuminate hidden vessels that feed the spider veins. This ensures a more complete and accurate treatment. Visual Sclerotherapy of spider veins is usually considered cosmetic. Most insurance will not cover this last type of treatment.
It often takes several sclerotherapy treatments to close a vein completely. One of the major advantages of sclerotherapy is that it is able to treat veins of many different sizes. However it often take two or three treatments on a given vein to achieve a long lasting closure resulting in the eventual disappearance of the vein. Each sclerotherapy injection can only close small section of a vein at a time. Often a part of the closed segment of the vein will recannulate or reopen making it necessary for the vein to be treated again. It can be hard to predict how many treatments it will take for to completely eliminate the veins.
Aftercare
At the St Louis Laser Vein Center we have patient ware compression stocking after sclerotherapy because studies have shown it reduce the risk of possible side effects like bruising, matting and hyper-pigmentation. It is important to walk regularly to encourage good circulation after you have had sclerotherapy. You should not participate in any strenuous activity for the initial days after your treatment.
Can sclerotherapy be done on the arms or face?
Yes, it is currently considered safe to perform sclerotherapy on the hands, arms, face and other areas previously avoided in this treatment. Talk with Dr Wright about the options available for treating blemishes and vein problems in these delicate areas.
How long is each sclerotherapy session?
The injection portion of each session takes on average only 20 minutes to complete, though this can vary depending on the size and extent of the treatment area.
