Sclerotherapy - Patients ask Dr. Ringpfeil answers
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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Sclerotherapy
Overview:
Sclerotherapy is a technique designed to shut down unsightly spider veins on legs, face or other body areas. Several substances can be injected to cause this effect. While providing identical results and downtime, detergents/foaming agents are generally considered painless while hypertonic saline injections are uncomfortable.
Sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of larger spider veins. It is often followed by several sclerolaser treatments which resolve extremely fine vessels that did not take to sclerotherapy.
Expected results:
Reduction of spider veins (on average 70% will respond after each treatment).
Preparation:
Avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 10 days. Depending on the examination, ultrasound may be necessary to exclude reflux, which may hamper treatment success. If reflux is detected, a consultation with a vascular surgeon may be necessary to remove underlying varicosities.
Post treatment instructions:
Compression stockings 20-30 mmHg or higher for 6 weeks, sun avoidance for 3 months, avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 3 days.
Time to desired results:
8 weeks can be necessary to observe the disappearance of spider veins on the legs; facial veins and those on the trunk usually respond faster.
Duration of desired effects:
5-7 years. After this time, our body will form new vessels, especially in genetically determined spider veins.
Contraindications:
History of bleeding or clotting disorders, diabetes, certain auto-immune disorders, pregnancy/breastfeeding, allergy to Sotrodecol.
Downtime:
Up to 6 months of bruising or hyperpigmentation.
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