What is it?
Sclerotherapy is a modern, gentle and minimally invasive method for treating varicose veins, reticular veins and small superficial vessels - the so-called capillaries or telangiectasias. During the procedure, a special solution (sclerosant) is injected into the diseased vein, which causes controlled irritation of its inner wall. As a result, the vein sticks together and closes, and over time it is completely resorbed.
The method is extremely gentle - no surgery is required, no scars remain, and the recovery period is short.
What types of sclerotherapy are there?
- With liquid solution - it is applied to small vessels.
- With foam - it is used for larger veins. The foam is prepared immediately before the procedure by mixing the solution with gas, which increases its contact surface and effectiveness.
- Microsclerotherapy – a specialized method for treating very small superficial capillaries (telangiectasias). It uses extremely thin needles and small doses of sclerosant, which allows for precision and good aesthetic results.
The procedure can be performed under ultrasound (Doppler) control or with the help of devices such as Veinlite, which better visualize the vessels. The choice of technique depends on the size and depth of the veins and is made individually for each patient.
When is sclerotherapy used?
Sclerotherapy is suitable for:
- Telangiectasias („dilated capillaries“) – red-purple or bluish „tree-like“ formations on the skin, which are often the initial stage of chronic venous insufficiency.
- Reticular veins - small, bluish veins visible under the skin.
- Varicose veins on the legs.
- Initial forms of chronic venous disease (CVD).
It is important to emphasize that venous disease has a progressive (evolutionary) nature - even after successful treatment, new vessels may appear, including in the treated area. Therefore, before starting therapy, a venous Doppler examination is mandatory to rule out a more serious underlying disease (for example, damage to the deep veins).
How does the treatment proceed?
- After examination and Doppler diagnostics, the doctor chooses the most appropriate method (liquid, foam or microsclerotherapy).
- The sclerosant is injected into the diseased vessels using a thin needle or catheter.
- The procedure may involve multiple injections in the same area, as there are often many small vessels.
- A slight inflammation occurs after the injection, which is expected – it is what leads to the vein sticking together and disappearing.
What to expect after the procedure?
- Bruises (ecchymoses) and slight hematomas at the injection site - completely normal.
- Darkening of the vein - due to retained coagulated blood; gradually fades or can be evacuated during a control examination.
- Pigmentation (brown lines along the course of the veins) - occurs in about 30% of patients, usually fades within 4-12 months.
- Small new capillaries around the treated area - temporary and subject to subsequent treatment.
- Sticks along the vein - painful to the touch at first, but gradually disappear.
How many procedures are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the size, number and age of the vessels:
- usually 3-4 procedures are needed,
- from 1 to 6 are possible,
- the optimal interval is 4-6 weeks.
Effectiveness
- In about 90% of cases, the treated veins disappear completely.
- In 10% of patients, the result is partial.
- In rare cases, the treatment is not effective and it is necessary to switch to another method (for example, laser ablation).
What is recommended after the procedure?
- Wearing elastic compression stockings for several days.
- Avoiding sun exposure and solarium for at least 30 days (reduces the risk of pigmentation).
- Taking phlebotropic supplements and using soothing or anti-inflammatory creams as needed.
- Physical activity – walking is recommended, but standing or immobility is avoided.
Possible side effects
Serious complications are extremely rare. The most common and temporary reactions are:
- redness, itching and slight swelling,
- painful seals on the vein,
- pigmentation on the skin,
- temporary spots similar to hives,
- transient feeling of tingling or hypersensitivity.
Rare complications:
- allergic reactions to the sclerosant or other materials (latex, disinfectants),
- inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue if the solution gets outside the vein.nata,
- in extremely rare cases - thrombophlebitis (1 in 10,000 patients, in veins over 3-4 mm).
Conclusion
Sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy are gentle, effective and aesthetic methods for treating varicose veins and capillaries. They allow for permanent improvement of symptoms and appearance of the legs, with minimal risk and short recovery. In order for the result to be as good and long-lasting as possible, it is important that the therapy is performed by an experienced specialist and is preceded by precise diagnostics.
