Sclerotherapy
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose and spider veins. It involves an injection of a solution (Tromboject - a specialized salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a proven procedure that has been in use since the 1930s.
Who is a candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Prior to sclerotherapy, you will have an initial consultation with a trained medical professional at Refined Medspa, who will decide if you're a good candidate for the procedure. You cannot have Sclerotherapy treatment while you are pregnant. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past, a decision will be made on an individual basis and will depend on the overall health of the area needing treatment as well as the reason for the clot. Veins that are potentially usable for future heart bypass surgery will generally not be considered for sclerotherapy unless they are already deemed unusable.
What is the procedure for Sclerotherapy treatment?
The salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into the vein. There can be some mild discomfort or cramping for a minute or two, especially when larger veins are injected. This is generally well tolerated by patients. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
The number of veins injected in one session depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as the general medical condition of the patient.
What is the Difference Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?
Spider veins are the very thin superficial veins that look purple or red and look like marks drawn by a thin pen line. Varicose veins are large blue bulging veins that are deeper. The medical professional at Refined Medspa will assess your veins and make appropriate recommendations. Varicose veins must be treated by a physician, and if yours are appropriate for Sclerotherapy you will be treated in the clinic by Dr. Brown. Spider veins may be treated by a trained nurse and so you may be treated by Dr. Brown or by Erika Whattam, RPN. For very large bulging varicose veins on the legs, sometimes surgery or EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatments) is required. If these procedures are required, Dr. Brown will make a referral to a surgeon.
What do I do before / after Sclerotherapy?
Pre-Sclerotherapy Treatment Instructions
Try to avoid aspirin for 1 week before treatment unless you are taking it for a heart condition.
Ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin), Naproxen or other anti-inflammatory drugs should also be avoided for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy
Tylenol should not affect this procedure
Bring loose fitting shorts to wear for your treatment
Before your treatment shower and wash your legs with an anti-bacterial soap
Do not apply any creams or lotions to your legs
Do not shave your legs on the day of your appointment
Post-Sclerotherapy Treatment Instructions
For spider/ reticular vein treatment: if cotton balls were applied you may remove them after 1 hour
For varicose veins: the cotton balls, wraps, and stockings stay on for 48 hours
Try to walk for 30 minutes immediately after treatment to stimulate your circulation
Daily walks of approximately 20 minutes are beneficial for all forms of venous treatment
Elevate your legs for 2 minutes each day
You may apply moisturizing lotion after 24 hours
Avoid vigorous or high impact exercise for 2-3 days
Avoid aspirin (unless taking for a heart/stroke condition), anti-inflammatories, alcohol and hot baths for 48 hours after spider vein / varicose vein treatment
Avoid prolonged standing and hot baths or showers for 1 week after varicose vein treatment
Cool legs with cold water after each shower
Avoid hot tubs for 1 month
Avoid tanning until the end of treatment, and until the bruises disappear
Avoid self-tan for 1 month
How is Sclerotherapy treatment priced?
Most of the cost of Sclerotherapy for varicose veins is covered by OHIP as long as you have a referral from your Family Doctor. This does not include the injection fee ($60), or the cost of compression socks, which you MUST have on the day of treatment. Many extended health plans will cover these additional costs. OHIP does not cover Sclerotherapy for spider veins. The cost of this treatment will depend on how extensive the area being treated is.
Is Sclerotherapy effective?
Yes. More than one treatment may be required, but approximately 90% of patients see a permanent reduction in the appearance of spider / varicose veins. It is important to realize that Sclerotherapy is not a miracle cure. It will not remove every blemish and make your veins look like they did when you were a teenager, but it does greatly improve the appearance.
What is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy means wearing socks or stockings that are specially designed to support your veins and improve the circulation in your legs. The socks or stockings are normally worn in the morning upon arising, and removed at night. Throughout the day this compression prevents blood from pooling in leg veins, thereby helping overall circulation and reducing any leg swelling you may have. This reduces the signs and symptoms of varicose veins (bulging veins, aching, burning, throbbing legs). The compression is strongest at the ankle and decreases going up the leg, to best assist blood flow back to the heart. Compression therapy is a treatment in and of itself, but also an essential part of post-Sclerotherapy treatment – to ensure optimum results.