Sclerotherapy
What is the Foam Sclerotherapy Procedure?
The foam sclerotherapy procedure is performed in our office in a session lasting approximately 30–40 minutes. Small amounts of a sclerosing (ablating or sealing) agent are injected using a tiny needle inserted into the vein. The number of sessions depends on the number of veins to be treated. Generally, more than one session is required.
During this procedure, the air is mixed with the sclerosing agent. Polidocanol (Asclera®) or sodium tetradecyl sulfate, known as “STS” (Sotradecol®), is used. The sclerosing foam becomes less diluted than liquid when injected into the vein, allowing the solution to come into contact with the entire vein wall. As a result, fewer solutions can be used to achieve an optimal result. The medicine causes the problematic vein to shrink up or “sclerose.”
When the problematic veins close, the blood can reroute to other healthier veins.
What Type of Veins Can Be Treated?
Sclerotherapy is best suited for small "spider veins." Larger veins, such as varicose, are best treated with laser or radiofrequency ablation.
