Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and “spider veins”. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the varicose vein. The solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure has been in use since the 1930s to treat varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy is performed in a doctor's office. In most cases, an FDA-approved medication is injected directly into the blood vessel, using a very fine needle. A solution without lidocaine is available for people who are allergic to lidocaine. The number of varicose veins injected in one session is variable, depending on the size and location of the veins, and the patient's overall medical condition.

Mild discomfort may occur, and a cramping sensation may be felt for 1 to 2 minutes when larger varicose veins are injected. The sclerotherapy procedure itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes.