WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
Sclerotherapy is treating the thread veins of the legs and it is extremely common. 
Although the causes are unknown, there are possibilities it can be caused by the following

• Changes in temperature

• Smoking

• Alcohol

• Inherited 

• Hormonal changes

• Prolonged standing

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ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Sclerotherapy is a very straight forward procedure in which your medical practitioner will dilute irritant solution, it is then injected into the vein using a very fine needle. This damages the vessel lining causing it to close. The body will treat this as damaged tissue which will be slowly absorbed over a period of around 3 months.

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You will feel some slight pressure as the solution is being injected, otherwise this should be an almost pain free procedure. The appointment time is usually around 60 minutes, however this will be discussed at your consultation appointment. Your medical practitioner will also discuss regarding the necessity for compression stockings.

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Following your procedure

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications.

• Do not take hot baths or sit in a whirlpool or sauna. You may take showers, but the water should be cooler than usual.

• You can wash the injection sites with mild soap and lukewarm water.

• Do not apply a hot compress to the treated areas.

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight this includes sun tanning and sun beds.

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What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy are:

• Itching: You may experience mild itching along the vein route. This normally lasts 1-2 days.

• Transient Hyperpigmentation: Approximately 30% of all patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a light brown discoloration after treatment. Nearly all patients notice a darkening of the vein immediately after the procedure. In rare instances the darkening may persist for 4 to 12 months.

• Sloughing: Sloughing occurs in less than 3% of patients who have received sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small, slowly healing ulceration at the injections site. A blister may form, open, and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal colour.

• Allergic Reactions: Very rarely a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent. This risk is greater in patients who have a history of allergic reactions.

• Pain: A few patients may experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising around the injection site. The veins may be tender to touch after the treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may be felt along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary lasting 1 to 7 days.

What are the other side effects?
Other side effects include:

• A burning sensation during injection of the solution

• Neovascularization (the temporary development of new, tiny blood vessels)

• Transient phlebitic reactions (temporary swelling of the vein may cause the ankle to swell)

• Temporary superficial blebs (similar to hives)

•  Although very rare, wound infections, poor healing, or scarring are also possible. 

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Phlebitis is a very rare complication, seen in approximately 1 out of every 1,000 patients who have been treated for veins greater than 3 or 4 mm in diameter. The dangers of phlebitis include the possibility of pulmonary embolus (a blood clot in the lungs) and postphlebitic syndrome, in which the blood is not carried out of the legs, resulting in permanent swelling of the legs.