What is vein injection sclerotherapy?

Injection sclerotherapy is a treatment that intentionally damages the lining (endothelium) of small veins. By doing this and then applying pressure the vein walls stick together. The vein can then no longer fill with blood and so it is obliterated. The compression applied after the injection is an essential part of the therapy.

Sclerotherapy has been around in one form or another for well over 100 years and there are descriptions going back much further. It has risen and fallen in popularity as techniques have evolved. Foam sclerotherapy is an evolution of earlier methods that uses a standard detergent sclerosant such as STD (sodium tetradecyl sulphate) and mixes it with air in various ratios to create a foam. This foam is then injected into the veins.

After the vein injection sclerotherapy

Take a few short walks and try to avoid standing still for any length of time.

If wearing bandages your doctor will advise how long this is required. Stockings should be worn at all times day and night for the first week. You can shower wearing the stockings and then use a hair dryer to dry the legs.

The success of the injection treatment relies upon the pressure that the bandages and stocking apply to the injected area in association with regular exercise. It is important to take regular walking exercise after your treatment.

Avoid lifting heavy objects and bending at the waist.

After the vein injection sclerotherapy

Over the first few weeks following the injection, any slight discomfort, hardness or
tenderness at the injection site(s) should gradually subside. If there is excessive redness, swelling or tenderness, this means you should rest more, with the leg raised so that the heel is higher than the hip. If you are concerned see your doctor.

While most patients experience no problems after injection of varicose veins, a small number may experience one or more of the following:

Discoloration of the skin around the site of the injection - this is quite common but will not remain permanent. Some resolution can occur in the 12 months after the injections.