Microsclerotherapy

Microsclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure technique used to treat spider veins or thread veins of the legs. It is a relatively straightforward procedure that involves injecting a liquid into the veins which destroys them and causes them to disappear over time. The most common areas for varicose veins to develop are on your legs and feet.

As gravity has an effect on the blood in the veins and also as the skin is more sensitive to burns, Microsclerotherapy is the most preferable treatment for thread veins below the heart.

In the few days before the procedure, your healthcare provider will usually recommend that you avoid certain medication. You may be asked to avoid applying lotion or shaving your legs before sclerotherapy to decrease irritation.

Depending on the severity of the condition, sclerotherapy treatment for venous problems can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

The Procedure:
A very tiny needle is used to inject the liquid into each cluster of thread veins. As with foam sclerotherapy, there is a maximum dose permitted for each patient so if there are extensive thread veins it may well be not possible to inject all of these at one session.

There is little to no downtime, you’ll most likely be able to return to your everyday activities immediately.

In the first 24 hours, you may be advised to wear compression stockings and only remove when you shower. After the first day, the stockings should be worn during the day and can be removed at night while sleeping.

You should use acetaminophen-based pain medicine such as Tylenol for any discomfort. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can affect your blood’s clotting process.

To achieve optimum results, the treated thread and spider veins need to be continuously compressed for 21 days and nights. This is the time needed for the body to turn the dying vein into scar tissue and is best achieved by wearing compression stockings. In general, patients need several sessions to get the optimal result and quite often the best results are only seen after a minimum of two to three months.

Post-treatment, it is best to avoid sunlight, hot baths, saunas, swimming pools, and the beach during the first two days after treatment.

You should also stay active to reduce the chance of blood clots. However, you should avoid aerobic exercises, such as running and weight lifting, for a couple of days.

Common side effects of sclerotherapy include:

• Bruising
• Stinging
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Discomfort
• Raised red areas that appear around the injection sites

All of these side effects should subside in a few days. Brown lines or spots can develop near the treatment area, as well. These normally disappear within three to six months.