Spider vein removal

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.

The sclerotherapy injection may be painful, and the chemical that is injected can cause a feeling of burning or cramping for a few minutes in the area where the shot was given. You may need repeated sessions and many injections each session, depending on the extent of the varicose veins and type of sclerosant used.

Prior to vein injection, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines (including over the counter drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements) you are taking. If you need to take an antibiotic before sclerotherapy, contact your physician. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure. Some physicians recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin) or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48/72 hours before sclerotherapy. If you have compression hosiery from previous treatments, please bring them with you so we can make sure they will provide adequate support after the sclerotherapy procedure.

Before the procedure, you will have an initial consultation with a vascular medicine specialist who will tell you if you are eligible for sclerotherapy. You are not eligible for sclerotherapy if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or are bedridden. You must wait at least three months after birth before you can be considered for this procedure. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the extremity and the reason for the clot.

After the treatment you will be able to drive yourself home. You may resume your regular activities and are encouraged to walk. You will be instructed to wear support hosiery or compression wraps to "compress" the treated vessels. All support items can be purchased at The Cleveland Clinic. Support stockings purchased from a department store may not be adequate if a heavy compression stocking is prescribed. Do not take hot baths or sit in a whirlpool or sauna, nor apply hot compresses or any form of heat to the injected areas for 48 hours after treatment. In addition, avoid direct exposure to sunlight (sun bathing and tanning beds)jogging, high-impact aerobics and swimming for 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Showers are permitted, but the water should be cooler than usual. The injection sites may be washed with a mild soap and lukewarm water.

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