Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting a sclerosing solution into varicose veins, to close them up. This treatment has been used in Europe since the early 1940s. Dr. Sigg, in Switzerland, Dr. Fegan in Ireland, and Dr. Tournay, in France, all had schools of sclerotherapy which, even then, “saved” patients from undergoing vein surgery.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Various solutions - saline-based; iodine-based or ASA-based solutions; sotradecol, polidodecanol - are injected into the varicose veins, to “irritate” the vein walls. This produces a “fibrotic reaction”, which causes the walls of the veins to stick together. Within a few weeks, the veins are “sclerosed” under the skin, and disappear without a trace. In the past years - sclerosing foam - has also been used.
Treatment for the Most Common Types of Veins,
Reticular and Telangiectasia
A simple saline solution is usually all that is required to treat most mid-size varicose veins and spider veins. This mild solution induces a mild inflammatory reaction, and the mid-size or spider veins disappear.
Usually, reticular (medium-size) and spider veins injections are not administered until the larger, varicose veins have been treated.
Face veins treatment - Couperoses
Spider veins or burst capillaries on the face are usually caused by:
- heredity
- sudden changes in temperature
- sunburn
- spicy foods
- smoking
- alcohol
- overly hot beverages.
The treatment is the same as for spider veins, except that a milder solution, and finer needles, are used.
The injection of facial spider veins (telangiectasia) gives excellent results and is a safe and inexpensive alternative to laser therapy.
