What is Sclerotherapy and What Body Parts Can It Be Performed On?

If you wish to diminish the appearance of veins on your legs, face or elsewhere on your body, Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive and effective option. (Especially convenient in December, when you may want to look your best for those holiday events!)

The in-office process usually lasts between 15 and 45 minutes and only involves low-to-no discomfort.  No anesthetic is required. Using a microneedle, Dr. Gallacher injects your targeted veins with a sclerosing solution. She will use a sclerosing solution that is best for your specific type and sized veins. The solution is intended to injure the vessel lining.  This causes spider veins or smaller varicose veins to slowly close off, fade and even disappear. Each injection can treat about an inch of skin. For best results, you may need to return for additional treatments. If the area is large and you wish to fade or remove many visible veins, several treatments may be needed. These treatments should be 3-6 weeks apart.

What Is Recovery Like?

For one or two days after the procedure, you may need to wear compression bandages. You may be prescribed compression socks for a few days to help keep the treated vein collapsed. You may experience some temporary itching and swelling at the injection site. However, you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately. To increase blood circulation, daily walks of at least 30 minutes are recommended for the first few days after treatment.  Vigorous physical activities, such as weight lifting, jogging and exercise classes should be avoided.

What Results Can You Expect?

Sclerotherapy reduces the appearance of unattractive spider and varicose veins.  They will fade after each treatment. You may experience some light bruising on the treated area.  These bruises normally subside after about 1-2 weeks. Then you will more clearly be able to see the improvement in the appearance of the area.  The veins may even completely disappear. Sclerotherapy can be a very effective and gratifying procedure, leaving patients satisfied with the results.

If you would like to enjoy an improvement in the appearance of your spider veins or varicose veins, Dr. Gallacher would be happy to discuss Sclerotherapy options with you.  Contact our office today!