What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is done to improve the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins and to help relieve aching, swelling, cramping, and pain in the legs.

Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged, bulging, and twisted due to a damaged valve that causes blood to collect (pool) in the veins. Spider veins are small varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy usually works best for smaller spider and varicose veins. This procedure involves injecting a chemical into the vein to close it off. You may need more than one treatment to close a vein all the way.

Sclerotherapy is usually performed on the legs because that is where varicose and spider veins most often occur.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.
• Blood clots.
• Nerve damage.
• Bruising and scarring.
• Darkened skin around the area.

What happens before the procedure?

• Do not use lotions or creams on your legs unless your health care provider approves.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking restrictions.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• You may have an ultrasound of the affected area to check for blood clots and to check blood flow.
• In rare cases, you may have an X-ray procedure to check how blood flows through your veins (angiogram). For an angiogram, a dye is injected to outline your veins on X-rays.

What happens during the procedure?

• To lower your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Your skin will be washed with soap.
  • Hair may be removed from the treatment area.
• A small, thin needle will be used to inject a chemical (sclerosant) into your varicose vein. The sclerosant will irritate the lining of the vein and cause the vein to close below the injection site. You may feel some stinging, burning, or irritation.
• The injection may be repeated for more than one varicose vein.
• The injection area will be wrapped with elastic bandages.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your injection area will be wrapped with elastic bandages. If there is bleeding, the bandages may be changed.
• Do not drive until your health care provider approves. You may need to wait 1–2 days before driving.
• You will need to wear compression stockings for about a week, or as long as your health care provider recommends.

Summary

• Sclerotherapy is a procedure that is done to improve the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins and to help relieve aching, swelling, cramping, and pain in the legs.
• A small, thin needle is used to inject a chemical (sclerosant) into a spider vein or varicose vein to close it off.
• Elastic bandages will be wrapped around the injection area after the procedure.

Sclerotherapy, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Swelling.
• Bruising.
• Soreness.
• Mild skin discoloration.
• Slight bleeding from an injection site.

Follow these instructions at home:

Injection area care

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your injection area. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
• Check your injection area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.

Activity

• Do light exercise every day, as told by your health care provider. Walking or riding a stationary bike may be good options for you.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not drive until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider when is safe for you to drive. You may need to wait 1–2 days before driving.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not use lotions or creams on your legs unless your health care provider approves.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do not take baths or showers, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. You may need to take sponge baths until 1–2 days after the procedure.
• Wear compression stockings for a week, or as long as your health care provider recommends. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the treatment area.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have redness, swelling, or pain around an injection site.
• You have fluid or blood coming from an injection site.
• An injection area feels warm to the touch.
• You have pus or a bad smell coming from an injection site.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You faint.
• You have severe pain.
• You have leg pain that gets worse when you walk.
• You have redness or swelling in your leg that is getting worse.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You cough up blood.

Summary

• Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common after this procedure.
• Check your injection area every day for signs of infection.
• Make sure you wear your compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.