Westchester Spider Vein Treatment Specialist – Dr. Arlen G. Fleisher Serving NYC, Manhattan, Westchester Spider Veins Patients

What is Sclerotherapy?
 

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for small (spider veins) and medium size (reticular) veins. A tiny needle is used to inject the veins with a solution (called a sclersant) that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. The surface veins are no longer visible. Depending on the size and location of the veins, different types and strengths of sclerosants are used. With this procedure, veins can be dealt with at an early stage, helping to prevent further complications.

You may need anywhere from one to several sclerotherapy sessions for any vein region. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated you may have one to many injections per session. Generally, normal activities can be resumed after sclerotherapy. Medically prescribed support hose and/or bandages may need to be worn for several days to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. The procedure, performed in the doctor's office, usually causes only minimal discomfort. Bruising and pigmentation may occur after sclerotherapy. Bruising typically disappears within 1-2 weeks. Although pigmentation almost always fades, it can last for several months.

Possible complications of sclerotherapy include inadvertent intra-arterial injection, skin ulceration, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), telangiectatic matting (blush spots), superficial phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), and allergic reaction. Scarring and other complications are rare.

What New Treatment Options Exist For Patients Who Have Abnormal Blood Flow In The Major Vein Trunks Other Than Vein Stripping?

In order to control the backward flow of blood in these large veins, the vein that is the source of the visible varicosities must be sealed shut or removed. The vein may be sealed shut using energy sources such as a laser, or radiofrequency energy electrical energy, or by ultrasound guided sclerotherapy injections. 

What Is Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?

Visual sclerotherapy refers to injection of surface veins that are visible to the naked eye. Some veins that need to be treated are below the surface of the skin and cannot be injected safely without the aid of ultrasound imaging assistance. 

Is Sclerotherapy Safe?

Most patients do not experience any complications from sclerotherapy. However, some patients develop changes in skin pigment in locations where the veins are injected. Some patients may experience chemical burns of the skin while a rare patient may develop an allergy to the medication. Serious complications such as deep vein blood clots and unintentional arterial injection occur rarely.

What Are Laser And Radiofrequency Sealing Of Veins?

Light energy (laser) or electrical energy (radiofrequency) may be used to seal shut abnormal main superficial trunk veins. Both treatments involve the application of heat energy to inside of the long or short saphenous veins. Usually treatment of the GSV starts at a location in the vein at or below the knee. The GSV is then treated from its junction to the deep system at the level of the groin down to the entry site near the knee. Ultrasound guided injections may also be used to seal the GSV or LSV.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Vein treatment programs are designed to treat visible varicose veins and to treat abnormal veins that may not be visible but that may be the source of the visible varicosities. If varicose veins are the only abnormality detected by the treating physician, the treatment involves surgical removal of the visible varicose veins (micro-incision phlebectomy) or the injection of chemicals (sclerosants) into the vein (sclerotherapy).