The small spider veins and most non-bulging and bulging "blue" veins can be treated with injections and some type of leg veins may be more appropiately treated with lasers. The very large bulging veins may require some type of surgical procedure. Dr. Rostan will discuss these issues with you.

The solution is called Sotradecol, which was developed in Europe and has been in use for many years. Saline is not preferred because it is painful and is less effective than Sotradecol.  The solution is injected into the veins with one of the smallest needles available. As the solution enters the vein, it temporarily displaces the blood and causes a gentle irritation to the inner lining of the vein. The blood returns into the injected areas and becomes trapped in the injected veins. The body then gradually absorbs the trapped blood and the veins themselves. The veins do not immediately disappear. The healing process begins as soon as the solution is injected. However, in the beginning the healing process is microscopic and not visible to the naked eye.

Support hose must be worn for a minimum of 1 week, preferably 2 weeks, making this a popular procedure during winter months. The longer the support stockings are worn, the better your results will be. Bruising is normal and should be expected for 2-6 weeks after your treatment. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 7-14 days; however, less strenuous activity such as walking or swimming is encouraged.

The majority of patients who have sclerotherapy will see good improvement and expectation of treatment should be about 75% reduction in veins. It typically takes 2-6 treatments to acieve 75% clearance.  It is estimated that about 10-20% of veins do not disappear after 6 treatments.