Liquid Injection Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

Liquid injection sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure for treating venous disease conditions that are determined to be cosmetic, including spider veins (telengiectasias), reticular veins, and small varicose veins. Sclerotherapy for varicose veins like these will be administered by a nurse. 

For patients with larger varicose veins, for which treatment is determined to be medically necessary, a slightly different form of injection sclerotherapy, called foam sclerotherapy, will be administered by the doctor.

If patients have more severe conditions, such as skin discoloration, swelling legs, or venous ulcers, treatment may require the use of radiofrequency endovenous thermal ablation.

How Does Liquid Injection Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins Work?

Liquid injection sclerotherapy uses a needle to inject a chemical agent, or sclerosant, into a diseased vein. The sclerosant damages the vein wall, causing it to close. 

After the diseased vein closes, blood that had been unable to return to the heart prior to the procedure will no longer pool in the vein (venous reflux). Instead, blood will re-route its course back to the heart through healthy veins.

Recovery

Compression stockings are normally prescribed following liquid injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins, spider veins, and reticular veins. Typically, patients wear the stockings continuously for a 48-hour period immediately following treatment.

After the first 48 hours, patients continue to wear the stockings for two weeks. However, during this period patients need only wear the stockings during the day. Additionally, patients should avoid exercise and prevent treated areas from exposure to direct sunlight during this period.

Improvement

Patients can normally see improvements in their appearance and symptoms anytime between about three weeks to three months following treatment.

Multiple treatments of liquid injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins may be needed to achieve ideal results. Liquid injection sclerotherapy treatments are usually spaced six weeks apart.

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

RESULTS AT 26 WEEKS AFTER LAST TREATMENT

Uncomplicated Spider Veins Treatments* (≤ 1 mm)

*Individual results may vary depending on varicose vein severity, disease progression, skin tone, and number of treatments. Photos: patients from EASI study

RESULTS AT 26 WEEKS AFTER LAST TREATMENT

Uncomplicated Reticular Veins Treatments* (1 to 3 mm)

*Individual results may vary depending on varicose vein severity, disease progression, skin tone, and number of treatments. Photos: patients from EASI study

RESULTS AT 26 WEEKS AFTER LAST TREATMENT

Uncomplicated Spider Veins (< 1 mm) and
Uncomplicated Reticular Veins (1 to 3 mm) Treatment*

* Individual results may vary depending on varicose vein severity, disease progression, skin tone, and number of treatments. Photos: patients from EASI study

* Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is indicated to sclerose uncomplicated spider veins (varicose veins ≥ 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated reticular veins (varicose veins 1 to 3 mm in diameter) in the lower extremity. Photos © Mertz Aesthetics, Inc. Asclera is a registered trademark of Chemiche Fabrik Kreussler & Co., GmbH

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Have Questions?

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about liquid injection sclerotherapy. For more information about VasCare and how we can help you, contact us or call our offices at:

Baytown Clinic – 281.420.1500
Beaumont Clinic – 409.924.8600
Corpus Christi Clinic – 361.882.4000