Despite the popularity of laser vein treatments, sclerotherapy is still considered the “gold standard” for treatment of larger blue reticular veins and spider veins that are not amendable to the laser beam.
These larger veins are found in approximately 50% of the adult female population and are due to multiple factors including pregnancy, genetics and hormones.
The sclerotherapy procedure involves injections into the vein with a solution which causes the vein to collapse upon itself and disappear. We use the FDA approved Asclera® (polydocanol) product in our practice, which has a proven record of safety and efficacy.
This simple procedure has also been effective at relieving the symptoms associated with varicose veins, including night cramps, swelling, aching and burning.
A compression stocking must be worn for at least 2 days following the procedure to maintain the vein in the collapsed state.
This treatment is very effective, but is not recommended for very large, bulging or ropy veins. Unfortunately, these veins are best treated by more invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation or vein stripping.
