Sclerotherapy is used to treat surface veins including spider veins and varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy is the treatment used in most cases to treat surface veins. This treatment of veins has been in use for over 75 years. Normal routine activities are encouraged after treatment and time off work is usually not required.

What is involved in this procedure?

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing solution with a very fine needle directly into the diseased vein. The solution causes a reaction along the internal wall of the vein, causing it to swell and stick together. As a result the vein no longer fills with blood and will gradually fade over a period of weeks until it becomes barely visible. Depending on size, some veins require several injections for optimal results, but in any one treatment session numerous veins can be injected. Larger underlying veins must be treated first to reduce the chance of recurrence of surface spider veins. An ultrasound will be used to rule out incompetent veins that lead to superficial spider vein development. This procedure requires specialized skills.

What solution is used?

Many solutions are available however, "Fibrovein" is the solution preferred by Dr Lekich. This solution is specifically manufactured for sclerotherapy. "Fibrovein" is rapidly broken down after contact with the vein wall and does not circulate through the body as an active solution. The effects of Fibrovein are isolated in its action.

Don't I need all of my Veins as part of my Circulation?

There are definitely certain veins that are required for healthy blood flow in the legs. Abnormal veins though, are unhealthy veins that do not function properly and usually (sometimes for years) haven't been relied upon by the body as part of normal blood circulation. These abnormal veins contain poorly oxygenated blood and subsequent free radicals that cause tissue damage. To compensate for this lack of function, more stress is placed on the deeper veins that can, in certain cases, also become abnormal. Once treated, circulation usually improves in the affected limb.

Abnormal veins are not harvested for by-pass heart grafts.

Will the injections hurt?

Although many vessels are injected each treatment session, discomfort is minimal because of the tiny diameter of the needle. The ankle, foot and high thigh region may be a little more sensitive, although the pain experienced is easily tolerable. Some larger injections give a feeling like a dull ant bite, while most small injections into the veins feel slightly warm and tingly. You will be lying on the examination table during this time and changing positions to your side, back and stomach as needed to access the affected areas.
Anxious patients may require relaxing medications. Dr Lekich will discuss this with you.

What is the usual treatment regime?

Often larger incompetent vessels underlie superficial veins - this will be assessed using an ultrasound in the initial consultation. If this is the case then the larger veins will be treated first. The smaller, superficial veins may be treated at the same time or may require a subsequent treatment session. Patients that present earlier for treatment generally require fewer treatment sessions

Will I have any bruising?

Bruising in the treated area is quite normal and to be expected. Often legs can initially look worse, but this is only temporary. Blood may be trapped in the vein after treatment, forming a lump that becomes tender. These lumps are relieved by small needle aspirates as a routine procedure on your next visit. These lumps are not blood clots, but are a sign that treatment has been successful. The bruises will disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.

How successful is Sclerotherapy?

Generally, after the recommended number of treatments as per your assessment, as a general rule, patients can expect up to an 80- 90% improvement in treated vessels. Legs may look worse initially from bruising, but this is only temporary. Treated veins will start to fade a few weeks after treatment and continue to fade for up to three months after the last treatment.

Occasionally subsequent sessions are required in particular when the condition is severe and long standing. Sclerotherapy is highly effective in treating abnormal veins however, absolute cosmetic perfection may not be achieved as a result of the progression of new abnormal veins.

Do treated veins recur?

Generally, the veins that are treated will not require repeated treatment. Over time however, previously normal veins may progress and develop new changes. If there is an inherent tendency for vein walls to weaken, then these previously normal veins may require treatment in the future. This tendency or predisposition for abnormal veins may affect previously successfully treated veins. Keeping to a healthy diet and weight, regular exercise and limiting time spent in high heel shoes can help minimize the development of new veins

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