What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the process in which broken spider veins (capillaries) on the face or legs are injected, using an ultra-fine needle, with a sclerosing solution that starts breaking down, shrinking and then, eventually, closing these unsightly, non-functioning, fine-vessels. They are often located around the nasal base, across the cheeks, in front of the ears or anywhere on the legs.
The sclerosing fluid we use is NOT SALINE, but a more user-friendly solution:
-
Does not sting like saline.
-
Causes fewer traumas to the surrounding tissues than saline.
-
It is more efficient than saline-requiring fewer treatments than saline.
How is it performed?
-
A very fine needle is inserted by barely tapping the skin, flushing a sclerosing solution through the dilated vessel.
-
The process may take 30-60 min, to complete both front and back legs in 1 session.
-
Most patients require 2-3 treatments, scheduled at least 1 month apart.
-
Pressure stockings are not required for spider vein treatments to the legs.
-
If the smallest needle is still too big to place into a vessel, then an IPL or BBL, or other laser treatment would be the better option.
-
For those larger, blue veins or varicose veins of the legs, you will be referred to an appropriate doctor who specialises specifically in larger vein treatment. Usually, sclerotherapy is advised, but other treatments may assist stubborn vessels: Laser Nd Yag, IPL/BBL, or Laser Genesis.
What to expect after?
-
Your injected areas will appear “worse, before they appear better”.
-
Red and raised welts, but almost painless, will subside overnight.
-
At the 4th week, the inner linings of the vessels are breaking down and the process is repeated, until the vessels are gone (usually 2-3 treatments, 1 month apart).
-
A thorough consult is required for suitability, risks and full side effects.
