What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a condition of the veins where the veins enlarge and become varicose. This condition causes blood to pool in the enlarged veins, which primarily affects the thighs and legs. Varicose veins can result in pain, fatigue, or cosmetic concerns when they become visible under the skin as blue or purple.
There are different types of varicose veins. For deep and larger veins, laser treatment and surgery are commonly used, while sclerotherapy is often the first choice for treating superficial varicose veins.
What is Sclerotherapy (with Foam) for Varicose Veins Treatment?
Superficial capillary and linear varicose veins can cause cosmetic concerns, as they appear as blue or purple lines under the skin. In sclerotherapy, a very fine needle is inserted into the vein through the skin, and a special medication is injected into the vein. This leads to a cosmetic improvement of the varicose veins in a short amount of time.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a sclerosant medication is injected into superficial veins using a fine needle. The medication causes the vein to collapse, which helps treat the varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is primarily used to treat superficial varicose veins. There are two types of this treatment. For very fine capillary veins, only sclerosant medication is used. For more prominent superficial varicose veins, a mixture of medication and air (foam therapy) is used. Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment for you based on physical examination and Doppler ultrasound results.
How is Sclerotherapy Performed?
The procedure is done in a hospital setting, usually in a non-surgical environment.
The patient lies on an examination table, and the superficial varicose veins suitable for sclerotherapy are identified. The procedure typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the extent of the varicose veins. The veins can be treated in one session, but if the condition is widespread, several sessions may be required. After the procedure, it is recommended that the patient wear compression stockings for 7-10 days.
Who Should Not Undergo Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is not recommended for: