Sclerotherapy

Injection sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of spider veins and small to medium-sized varicose veins.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny, dilated blood vessels that lay just below the surface of the skin. Similar to small to medium-sized varicose veins, spider veins may sometimes result in itching or minor aches, but they are most often a cosmetic concern.

Procedure

Sclerotherapy obliterates veins by “burning” the inside of the vein, resulting in reabsorption of the vein. Sclerotherapy is accomplished with the use of concentrated liquid solution, which is mixed with lidocaine for patient comfort. Multiple injections are typically performed along the course of the abnormal vein(s) with a tiny needle. Each treatment lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. If multiple sessions are required, they are spaced one to two weeks apart.

After the procedure

After a sclerotherapy session, compressive therapy is initiated and individualized for each patient. Compression therapy is used for 24-48 hours. For injection sclerotherapy of larger varicose veins, compression therapy may be recommended for two to three weeks following the injection. It is important to walk 30 minutes each day for two weeks beginning on the day of treatment.

To learn more about sclerotherapy or treat your spider veins, call (618) 257-VEIN.

In This Section

Dr. Patrick Neville, Vascular and Vein Surgeon

Dr. Neville, a Belleville, IL, native, earned his medical degree from Southern Illinois University in Springfield, IL, and completed his residency in vascular surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH.