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Sclerotherapy is an injection treatment used to
eliminate small to medium size varicose veins and "spider" veins of
the lower extremities. Spider veins are superficial telangiectasias,
tiny vessels that are red, blue or purple in color. The majority of
these veins present a cosmetic problem.
HOW DOES SCLEROTHERAPY WORK?
A very small needle is used to inject a sclerosing
solution into a varicose or "spider" vein. Different solutions are
used depending on the type of vein. Different strengths of the
solutions are used based on the size of the vessel. Once injected
the cells that line the vein wall (endothelium) will become
irritated, inflamed and damaged. External compression is applied
using Ace wraps and/or support hose. The compression causes the vein
walls to seal together and the vein no longer can transport blood.
Your body will then break down and absorb the damaged vein. When
healing is complete the vein is no longer visible. The process is
very similar to how your body heals a bad bruise. "Spider" veins do
not have any useful function and eliminating them will not affect
your circulation. Reducing or eliminating varicose veins can improve
your circulation and symptoms of heaviness, aching and fatigue.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
The number of treatments needed varies from patient
to patient depending on the type, size and quantity of veins to be
treated. Varicose veins and "spider" veins may require multiple
injection sessions. Subsequent treatments are usually scheduled
every two to six weeks to allow time for the body to respond to the
treatment. It is important to realize that the best results require
patience. It takes time for your body to respond to the injections.
It is important to follow the post-treatment instructions to
optimize your results. Your body will continue to heal and "fade"
injection sites for months after treatment. After your initial
screening exam your doctor will give you an estimate as to the
number of treatments that may be required. This is based on our
assessment, your history and expectations. You may end up needing
fewer or more treatments than were estimated. It is important to
discuss your expected outcomes with your doctor and to keep them
realistic. Your doctor will do everything possible to meet or exceed
your expectations.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Photographs will be taken before treatment is
initiated. This helps to monitor your progress. Your legs will look
worse before they look better. After the vein is damaged the body
needs time to heal. Most people will notice a significant
improvement approximately four weeks after their initial treatment.
Maximal improvement often takes several months and several
treatments. There is no guarantee sclerotherapy will be effective in
every case. Some veins and areas will need to be retreated.
Recurrence of the same vein treated rarely occurs with proper
injection technique and compliance with post treatment instructions.
New varicose veins or "spider" veins may form requiring subsequent
treatment. Periodic reevaluations are encouraged so that any new
veins that develop can be injected before they become too large or
too numerous.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:
ITCHING-You may experience itching around
the area injected. If this occurs, it is usually mild and lasts from
a few hours up to 24 hours.
HYPERPIGMENTATION-A light brown
discoloration of the skin may develop along the vein in the area
injected. Approximately 8% of patients are treated note the
discoloration, which is most often lighter and less obvious than the
vein being treated. The hyperpigmentation usually fades in a couple
of weeks, but may take several months to totally resolve. There is
one-percent incidence of hyperpigmentation continuing after one
year.
A small amount of blood may become trapped and
hardened in the vein when injecting varicose veins or some "spider"
vein complexes. This may feel like a knot or cord and it may look
dark blue or bruised. This is a common occurrence. You may need to
return before your next treatment so that this area can be drained
to remove the trapped blood. This will reduce the hyperpigmentation
that can occur.
TELANGIECTATIC MATTING-The formation of new,
fine "spider" veins in the area injected occurs in approximately 1%
of patients injected. The exact reason for this occurring is
unknown. If untreated, the matting usually resolves in three to
twelve months, but very rarely it can be permanent. If the
matting does not fade it can be re-injected or treated with a laser.
In some instances, matting may persist.
PAIN-It is common to have some tenderness at
the injected site. Injection of the sclerosing agent causes mild
discomfort, but is usually well tolerated by most patients. The
discomfort is temporary, lasting a few days. Acetaminophen (Tylenol
or Panadol) can be used if needed, according to product
directions.
BRUISING-May occur at the injection site.
Bruising may be minimized by avoiding Aspirin and Ibuprofen products
for seven days before and after each treatment session.
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
ULCERATION AT INJECTION SITE -Very rarely a
small ulcer will occur at the site where the vein is injected. An
ulcer can take four to six weeks to completely heal. A small scar
may result.
ALLERGIC REACTION-There is a very rare
incidence of an allergic reaction to the solution injected. You will
be observed for such reactions and will be treated appropriately
should it occur. Please inform us of any allergic history.
ALTERNATIVES TO SCLEROTHERAPY:
You may choose no therapy. The existing varicose and
"spider" veins may progress and new veins may form. Your should be
re-evaluated periodically to monitor your condition for changes.
Vein stripping and/or ligation may be appropriate to
treat some patients with larger varicose veins.
Laser Therapy may be an option if you have "spider" veins. Our
doctors will discuss these alternatives with you. For more
information please call
+971-4-349-8800.
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