Sclerotherapy is a technique which was developed in the 1950s and 60s to treat spider veins. It evolved out of doctor’s experience with Compression Sclerotherapy, with which is shares many similarities. It involves the use of an extremely fine needle to inject a tiny amount of a dilute solution (sclerosant) directly into the spider veins. The solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, eventually sealing off the blood vessels and preventing blood flow. At the VeinCare Centers of Tennessee, we use sodium tetradecyl as our sclerosant of choice because it is painless and effective.

Prior to treatment, a complete medical history is taken and a thorough examination made in order to determine, among other things, how long the problem has existed, are there any ongoing causative factors, and if there are any associated symptoms. Normally, an ultrasound study is not indicated, unless the spider veins are found in conjunction with larger varicose veins. If your spider veins are found in conjunction with varicose veins, and i the valves in your greater saphenous vein are broken, an Endovascular Laser Venous System may be recommended before Microsclerotherapy is undertaken. Pre-procedure instructions may include the elimination of certain medications which are know to aggravate spider veins, and the elimination or minimization of any medications know to cause excessive bruising or bleeding.

If your spider veins are found in conjunction with varicose veins, then the larger varicose veins are usually treated first (but NOT by microsclerotherapy, which is only appropriate for spider veins). After the skin is thoroughly cleansed with alcohol, a small amount of sclerosing (hardening) solution is injected directly into the spider vein using a syringe with a very tiny needle. The vein immediately disappears, then returns in about 10-15 seconds and is actually MORE prominent than it was before treatment started. The irritated vein then fades away over a few weeks.

The solution displaces the blood within the vein, causing it to blanch or turn white. The solution then causes the vessel to become irritated and swell shut, prohibiting the blood from reentering the vein. The skin may be kneaded to help disperse the solution and reduce bruising. Each vein may require several injections and most disappear in a few weeks

After your treatment, you are NOT wrapped in compression bandages, but we may put a simple small band-aid over the injection site to protect your clothing. You then simply walk out of the office and immediately resume normal daily activities.