Sclerotherapy
Spider veins are small, branched veins that run in a very superficial network on the skin of the legs and can sometimes form larger collections. They can be light red, dark blue or violet in appearance. Although of little medical importance, they are a major cosmetic problem for many people.
Sclerotherapy of spider veins is usually combined with a vascular laser treatment (Link vascular laser).
An alcoholic solution (polidocanol) in different concentrations (0.25% – 0.5% – 1.0%) (active ingredient: polidocanol) has been in use for several decades in sclerotherapy. For some years now, the treatment has also been carried out as microfoam sclerotherapy, making it even more effective. The solution is injected into the spider veins with a very fine needle and causes a slight inflammation of the vein’s wall. This causes sclerosing, of the vessel, through which blood can no longer flow. Immediately after sclerotherapy, the vessel is more visible, but is then replaced by connective tissue and disposed of by the body in the next few weeks. This is a normal and necessary process.
A sclerotherapy treatment takes about 30-45 minutes. As many spider veins are treated in each session as is medically justifiable.
After a thorough disinfection, the sclerosing solution is precisely injected into the lumen of the vessels. A slight burning sensation can usually be felt with each puncture. However, this is hardly noticed by some patients. Immediately after the treatment, you can usually see redness, mosquito-bite-like swellings and also minimal bruises on the skin.
We recommend a short walk (about 20 minutes) immediately after the treatment and avoiding long periods of standing, sitting or lying down for the next few hours. Sports should be avoided in the first 24 hours. Wearing compression stockings for 2 weeks is recommended.
Sauna, whirlpool, steam bath, tubs and hot showers should be avoided for 2 weeks in order not to jeopardize the success of the treatment. Normal showering is possible as usual on the day after the treatment.
It is also important to avoid UV exposure in the treated area for at least 4 weeks in order not to provoke hyperpigmentation (brown discolouration).
The reaction to sclerotherapy varies from person to person. There are people in whom almost all of the spider veins have disappeared after just one session. In other people, however, the spider veins can be very persistent, have to be obliterated several times or do not respond adequately to the therapy.
Experience has shown that up to 80% of the spider veins can be “stuck together” and thus made to disappear through a sclerotherapy cycle – approx. 2-3 sessions, every 6 weeks. A vascular laser is often additionally used for treatment.
- Pregnancy and / or breastfeeding
- Open wounds or injuries in the area to be treated
- Condition after recent thrombosis
- Illness with being bedridden or restricted mobility
- Known allergy to Polidocanol
Dr Gieres is happy to answer any further questions regarding the treatment during a private consultation.