March 24th, 2010
Sclerotherapy: The Procedure
A common sclerotherapy session is does not take much of your time, lasting only about an average of half an hour or so. If it is to be performed in the legs, of course, you are expected to wear shorts in the procedure. After changing into shorts, your legs may be photographed for your medical records. This will be your “before the procedure” photo. But most of the time, the doctor would keep this to document your course of treatment and outcome. After you leg’s (or any affected part of your skin for that matter), you will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. With the use of one hand to stretch the skin taut, your surgeon or dermatologist or even just the nurse will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with maximum precision. We use a polarized halogen light with magnification to better visualize the veins.
It is estimated that one injection is administered for every inch of spider vein. It ranges anywhere from five to 40 injections per treatment session. A cotton ball and compression tape may be placed to certain areas of the leg when the procedure is done.
During the sclerotherapy treatment, the doctor may redirect your attention to keep your from being anxious about the treatment. You may listen to music, read, or just talk to your practitioner. You will be asked to change your positions a several times during the process. As the treatment goes on, you will feel small needle sticks and maybe a mild burning sensation. But nothing to worry, the needle used is extremely thin (not your ordiary needle on a syringe) and the sclerosing agent is so mild that pain is usually so minimal.
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