Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure commonly used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. Extremely fine needles are used to inject your vein with a solution (sclerosing agent) which will cause the vein to close.

The number of sclerotherapy treatments needed to remove the vein completely varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the problem. Treatment sessions performed at four to six week intervals achieve optimal results. After treatment, compression stockings are applied, and patients are able to walk out of the treatment center immediately.

Typically, sclerotherapy is more effective and causes less pain than superficial lasers. At Novi Vein, we utilize a special instrument known as a vein light that allows us to see the veins (known as reticular veins) that feed the spider veins. By injecting reticular veins we provide a better and more durable cosmetic result.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is similar to conventional sclerotherapy. Under ultrasound guidance, a needle is inserted into affected veins and a sclerosing agent is injected. Both the needle and solution can be visualized by the physician with this technique. The sclerosing agent irritates the vein wall causing it to collapse. Closing the diseased vein allows other healthy veins to take over the task of carrying blood from the leg, thereby reestablishing normal flow.

Foam Sclerotherapy

Certain sclerotherapy solutions can be made into foam, just like hand washes are. This makes the solution stronger and is used for the larger veins. This type of sclerotherapy is also known as endovenous chemical ablation.