Sclerotherapy is used to close abnormal surface veins. In sclerotherapy, medicine is injected into the abnormal vein to make it scar shut.

For larger veins, an ultrasound machine is often used to guide the medicine into the vein. Also for larger veins, medicine is often combined with air, a process called foaming, to make it more effective.

Alternatives to sclerotherapy may include surgical removal of the veins, closure with heat by laser or radio frequency for larger veins, or surface laser therapy for smaller veins.

Prepare for Sclerotherapy

• Bring your insurance information if necessary
• Bring your prescription stockings
• Drink plenty of fluids the day of the procedure
• Do not put lotion on your legs

After Sclerotherapy

• You can remove the compression stocking to shower 24 hours after sclerotherapy.
• Wear your compression stocking continuously for another seven days after the session. Your results will be better the more you wear the stocking.
• You can remove the bandages the day after your procedure.
• Avoid hot baths, strenuous exercise, and weight lifting for seven days after the procedure.
• If you have a small, hard, mildly painful bump on your skin where sclerotherapy was done, then you have trapped blood. The trapped blood can be drained at your follow up visit.
• Call 919-681-8555 if you develop severe pain, severe swelling, significant bleeding, numbness in you feet or toes, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever over 101.5°F, or any stroke symptoms like trouble walking, talking, or seeing.