Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy uses special medications (sclerosants) that are injected directly into the vein, where they damage the inner wall and cause the vein to close.

It can be used in liquid or foam form.

If larger varicose veins are being treated, a foam sclerosant is used and injected into the vein under ultrasound guidance.

Liquid sclerosant is used to treat smaller veins—telangiectasias and reticular veins (so-called “capillaries”).

The injection may be painful, with a burning sensation or cramping for a few minutes in the treated area.

The procedure itself lasts from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the area and size of the veins being treated.

At the end of the procedure, the patient is fitted with an elastic compression stocking and can go home immediately.

Instructions: 

• At home, avoid prolonged standing or sitting with legs hanging down.
• Walking is recommended as much as possible, at least 3 × 15 minutes per day, but all normal activities are allowed.
• After one week, full physical activity (e.g., sports) is permitted.
• Compression stockings should be worn for a total of 3 weeks.
• Several visits and treatments are usually required.