Q:  What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

A:  Veins normally have valves that prevent blood from pooling in the legs.  Women are more likely to have abnormal vein valve function resulting in enlarged or varicose veins.  Heredity, pregnancy, prolonged standing and the aging process contribute to the abnormality.

Q:  Could I have prevented my vein problem?

A:  No.

Q:  Do varicose or spider veins ever improve without treatment?

A:  No.

Q:  What is sclerotherapy?

A:  Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating varicose and spider veins in which a solution, called a sclerosing agent, is injected into the veins.

Q. What solution is used?

A.  We use Sotradecol (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) in either a liquid or foam in varying strengths depending on the size of the vein.

Q.  How does sclerotherapy work?

A.  Sotradecol locally damages the vein and causes it to clot and then scar down and slowly disappear.

Q:  Does sclerotherapy work for everyone?

A:  The majority of patients who have sclerotherapy performed will be cleared of their varicosities, or at least see substantial improvement.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case.  Approximately 10% of patients will have poor to fair results.  In rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

Q:  How soon do my veins go away after treatment?

A:  Some veins disappear right away.  Others may take weeks or months to totally disappear and some require additional injections.

Q:  How many treatments will I need?

A:  This varies from person to person and depends on the number of veins affected.  The average number of treatments is 1 - 3, but this may vary.

Q:  Will I need surgery in addition to sclerotherapy?

A:  Some patients with extensive varicose veins may benefit from EVLT or varicose vein excision.  This is determined by an ultrasound test of the veins which may be ordered by your doctor.

Q:  What are the most common side effects?

A:

1.  Transient hyperpigmentation – Approximately 30% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after    treatment. In almost every patient the veins become darker immediately after   the procedure.  In some instances, the darkening of the vein may persist for 4– 12 months. 

2.  Sloughing – Sloughing occurs in less than 3% of patients.  It consists of a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly.  A blister may form, open and become ulcerated.  The scar that follows should return to normal color.

3.  Pain- Most patients experience some soreness and discomfort over the course of the vein due to inflammation following successful treatment.  Larger veins will hurt more and small veins and spider veins much less or not at all.

4.  Thrombosis – Sometimes a clot develops in an injected vein, particularly when a large vein is injected.  This is not dangerous.  It is an intermediate step prior to that vein disappearing.

5.  Telangiectatic mapping – Development of tiny spider veins at the site of treatment of a larger varicose vein occasionally occurs.  These small veins are difficult to treat but are usually not a significant cosmetic problem.

Q:  When can I return to normal activity?

A:  Right away.  For larger varicose veins a compression dressing will be applied and left on for 12 – 36 hours.

For more extensive information related to this disorder please refer to the following websites:

http://www.myvanishingveins.com