Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy involves the injection of a sclerosing substance into the veins. This is used for the treatment of thread (spider) veins and also as part of laser treatment.
FOAM SCLEROTHERAPHY
Foam sclerotherapy involves the injection of a foam made from a sclerosing agent such as Sodium Tretradecyl Sulphate(STD) into the vein. This causes the vein to clot off.
WHAT IS IT USED FORIt is commonly used for the treatment of small visible veins or thread veins. It may also be used to treat the main veins.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS- There may be stinging when the foam is injected.
- The veins become hard and lumpy over the next few days to weeks.
- Some patients will get headaches (especially if they suffer from migraines) or visual disturbance (temporary problem with vision) when the foam is injected.
- Pigmentation (discolouration) may be visible around the injected vein. This will disappear in the next few weeks to months though in a small number of patients this may be permanent.
- There is a small risk of ulcer around the injection site as well as a small risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Veins can come back or new veins may develop and may need further treatment.
You will need wear the bandaging as advised by your doctor.
If there is pain take some painkillers such as Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
You will be advised regarding follow up to see the results and also to check whether any further treatment is needed.