Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Menu
  • Home
  • Skin Care
  • Beauty
  • Health
Home
Beauty
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Beauty

What Is Sclerotherapy?

13 January 2025


What Is Sclerotherapy?




Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that’s used to treat:



Varicose Veins These superficial veins, found close to the surface of the skin, are twisted and enlarged. They’re caused by increased blood pressure within the veins. Varicose veins can be found anywhere on the body but commonly affect the legs.




Spider Veins These are a milder, smaller type of varicose vein. Spider veins are typically red or blue in color and look like the pattern of a spider web. They’re frequently found on the face and legs.



With sclerotherapy, doctors inject a solution into the vein to close it off, so blood will reroute through healthier, less twisted veins. This treatment can improve the cosmetic appearance of varicose and spider veins while also reducing symptoms such as swelling, aching, cramping, or burning.




While the recovery is generally quick, results from sclerotherapy can take weeks or months. Some people may need several sclerotherapy treatments to achieve their desired outcome.



Why Would You Need Sclerotherapy?




You might benefit from sclerotherapy if you want to improve the appearance of your varicose veins or spider veins. Or you may consider having the procedure if your problematic veins are causing you pain or discomfort.



However, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. Sclerotherapy may not be an appropriate treatment if you:




Are pregnant or breastfeeding



Have active deep vein thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot in a deep vein) or a superficial blood clot




Are bedridden



Your doctor might also suggest that you skip having sclerotherapy on a vein that you might need for a surgical bypass procedure in the future. For instance, the saphenous veins, which help send blood in your feet and legs back to your heart, may not be an option as they’re often used for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.




Sclerotherapy works best on smaller varicose veins. If you have very large or severe varicose veins, your doctor might recommend surgery instead.



While sclerotherapy is best known for helping people with varicose and spider veins, it may be used for other purposes, such as:




Shrinking hemorrhoids



Treating lymphatic malformations (collections of abnormal vessels that carry lymph fluid around the body)




Correcting hydrocele (an abnormal amount of fluid that accumulates around a man’s testicle)



How Is Sclerotherapy Performed?




Typically, a dermatologist, vascular surgeon, or vein specialist performs sclerotherapy. The procedure is done at your provider’s office and doesn’t require the use of anesthesia.



Your doctor will instruct you to lie on your back or your stomach, depending on the area being treated.




Before the treatment begins, your doctor may perform a test injection to make sure you don’t experience a bad reaction.



Then, your doctor will clean the area with alcohol and stretch your skin at the spot where they will inject the solution. They may use an ultrasound to help locate the affected vein.




Next, the doctor will use very thin needles to inject a liquid or foam solution into your blood vessel. This process will be repeated on other veins if necessary. The solution works by irritating the lining of the vein so that it swells shut and blocks blood flow.



After the needle is removed, your provider will apply compression and massage the area to spread out the solution and keep blood out of the injected vein.




The entire treatment usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.



How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy




Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your procedure.



Tell your provider about all the medications and supplements you take prior to having sclerotherapy. You may have to stop taking certain medicines, such as:




Antibiotics, including tetracycline or minocycline



Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil)




Blood thinners



Prednisone (Rayos, Sterapred)




Iron supplements or vitamins that contain iron



Your provider will tell you how long you should stop taking these medications and when it’s safe to resume using them.




Some other ways to prepare for your procedure include:



Don’t apply any lotion to your legs before sclerotherapy.

Bring a pair of shorts to wear during the procedure.

If you have compression stockings or your doctor requests you wear them after the procedure, bring them with you so you can put them on after the treatment is over.

If your doctor recommends it, make plans to have someone drive you home after your procedure.

What Are the Risks of Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is generally considered a safe procedure, but adverse events can occur. Some possible risks include:

Infection

Severe inflammation

A blood clot or DVT

An allergic reaction to the injected solution

Though extremely rare, there have been a small number of strokes and heart problems reported after sclerotherapy.

You should contact your doctor right away if you experience the following symptoms:

Sudden swelling in your leg

Swelling within 5 inches of your groin

Small ulcers at the site of injection

Red streaking on your skin, especially near your groin

Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or coughing up blood

Visual disturbances, headaches, fainting, or nausea

What to Expect During Sclerotherapy

During the procedure, you might feel:

Mild discomfort

Cramping

A burning sensation

Sometimes, doctors use solutions that contain lidocaine to make you more comfortable during the injection.

You may also feel pain if the solution leaks from the vein into your surrounding tissue. If you experience a lot of pain, let your doctor know.

What Are the Complications and Side Effects of Sclerotherapy?

It’s possible that you could have a negative reaction from sclerotherapy. People with underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience complications.

Some possible side effects include the following:

Injected veins may appear lumpy or hardened. This can last for several months.

Your skin may be red where the needle punctured it. This should get better within a few days.

Spots or brown lines may show up on your skin where the solution was injected. These usually go away within a few months, but they can be permanent.

You may have bruising at the injection site that lasts days or weeks.

Small blood vessels can develop in the area that was treated. They should fade away within a few months.

Care After Sclerotherapy

Recovery from sclerotherapy is generally very quick. While many people return to their normal activities right away, it’s a good idea to ask someone to drive you home after you receive your treatment.

You’ll be able to walk and move soon after sclerotherapy. Your doctor will suggest that you move often to prevent blood clots from forming. But you should avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks after the procedure.

For about two days following your treatment, you should:

Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Tylenol is okay)

Keep the injection site clean by washing with mild soap and lukewarm water

Avoid taking hot baths or applying heat to the affected area

Keep the affected area out of the sun

As part of your after care, your provider will ask you to wear compression stockings or bandages for about two weeks.

Your doctor will probably want to see you for a follow-up appointment about a month or two after your procedure.

Results from Sclerotherapy

Results from sclerotherapy aren’t immediate. It usually takes about three to six weeks to notice a change. Larger veins may take three to four months or longer.

One session of sclerotherapy may successfully eliminate 50 to 80 percent of the veins that were injected. However, the treatment doesn’t work in about 10 percent of cases. If it’s ineffective, your doctor may recommend a different method, such as surgery or laser therapy.

The treated veins that respond to the procedure won’t reappear, but new veins may crop up over time. If this happens, you may need additional treatments.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
Share
Tweet
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

What Are The Main Benefits Of Using A Sheet Mask

What Are The Main Benefits Of Using A Sheet Mask

Can I use AHAs with Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Zinc, and Niacinamide?

Can I use AHAs with Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Zinc, and Niacinamide?

Recent Posts

  • What Is the Best Serum for Aging Skin? Top Ingredients & Expert Tips
    What Is the Best Serum for Aging …
    6 June 2025 0
  • A Dermatologist’s Guide to the Best Psoriasis Creams for Every Skin Type
    A Dermatologist’s Guide to the Best Psoriasis …
    6 June 2025 0
  • The Best Lip Treatments for Dry, Chapped Lips: Remedies That Really Work
    The Best Lip Treatments for Dry, Chapped …
    6 June 2025 0
  • The Best Skincare Routine for Eczema: A Complete Guide for All Ages
    The Best Skincare Routine for Eczema: A …
    6 June 2025 0
  • Squalene vs. Squalane: What They Are and Their Skincare Benefits
    Squalene vs. Squalane: What They Are and …
    6 June 2025 0

Popular Posts

  • What Is the Best Serum for Aging Skin? Top Ingredients & Expert Tips
    What Is the Best Serum for Aging …
    6 June 2025 0
  • Rosehip Oil in Skin Care: Benefits, Uses, and Safety
    Rosehip Oil in Skin Care: Benefits, Uses, …
    8 May 2025 0
  • Safe Sun Tanning: Minimizing Skin Damage with Smart Strategies
    Safe Sun Tanning: Minimizing Skin Damage with …
    8 May 2025 0
  • Safflower Oil in Skin Care: Benefits, Uses, and Safety
    Safflower Oil in Skin Care: Benefits, Uses, …
    8 May 2025 0
  • Scrubs, Exfoliants & Exfoliators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin
    Scrubs, Exfoliants & Exfoliators: How to Choose …
    8 May 2025 0

Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Copyright © 2025 Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!
Theme by MyThemeShop.com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh