The staff at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has been successfully treating veins for the past 15 years. We will be happy to answer your questions concerning your vein needs. Please feel free to contact our office and we will gladly send a colored brochure at your request. Our number is 404-256-4457 Extension 271.
Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating varicose veins and superficial telangiectasias (spider veins) in which a solution, called a sclerosing agent, is injected into the veins.
These are the small, dilated veins seen frequently on the thighs, around the knees, on the calves, and around the ankles.
No. They represent a dilation of surface vessels secondary to increased pressure in the deeper veins.
The majority of persons who have sclerotherapy performed will get cleared of their varicosities or at least see good improvement. Unfortunately, however, 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. (Poor results means that the veins have not totally disappeared after six treatments.) In very rare instances, the patients condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.
The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient, depending on the extent of varicose and spider veins present. One to six or more treatments may be needed, the average is three to four. Individual veins usually require one to three treatments.
The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy treatment are as follows:
Other side effects include a burning sensation during injection of some solutions, neovascularization (the development usually temporary of new tiny blood vessels), transient phlebitic-type reactions (swelling of the vein might cause the ankles to swell), temporary superficial blebs or wheals (similar to hives), and, very rarely, wound infection, poor healing, or scarring. Phlebitis is a very rare complication, seen in approximately 1 of every 1000 patients treated for varicose veins greater than 3 to 4 mm in diameter. The dangers of phlebitis include the possibility of pulmonary embolus (a blood clot to the lungs) and postphlebitis syndrome, in which the blood clot is not carried out of the legs, resulting in permanent swelling of the legs.
In cases of large varicose veins (greater than 3 to 4 mm in diameter), spontaneous phlebitis and/or thrombosis may occur with the associated risk of possible pulmonary emboli. Additionally, large skin ulcerations may develop in the ankle region of patients with long-standing varicose veins with underlying venous insufficiency. Rarely, these ulcers may hemorrhage or become cancerous.
Vein striping and/or ligation may also be used to treat large varicose veins. This generally requires a one to three week hospital stay and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Risks of vein stripping or ligation include permanent nerve paralysis in up to 30% of patients and possible pulmonary emboli, infection, and permanent scarring. General anesthesia has some associated serious risks, including the possibility of serious harm, paralysis, brain damage, and death.
Dwayne Taylor has been successfully treating varicose and spider veins for over 15 years using non-surgical laser and injection treatments. Dwayne is a member of the American College of Phlebology. He has successfully treated patients across the United States, South America, Europe and Middle East. Dwayne has also given many lectures and taught classes in the treatment of veins using lasers and scleotherapy.
Because of Dwayne's experience, he was brought into Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, PC (DAA) as Director of Sclerotherapy over 9 years ago. DAA's sclerotherapy center has grown so much over the years that Dwayne is now Director of our new specialty center : The Atlanta Center for Veins. Dwayne continues his education in the area of veins and is involved in many research and development projects for veins and vein equipment (i.e.--lasers, vein lights, sclerosing solutions).