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Atlanta Center For Veins

Sclerotherapy & Laser Vein Treatment

At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, vein treatment through sclerotherapy has been a routine procedure since 1991. Every day, a new patient arrives seeking a solution to their unsightly varicose and superficial telangiectasias (spider) veins, and every day we strive to explain the advantages of sclerotherapy clear enough so the patients will feel as comfortable undergoing the procedure as we feel performing it.

Sclerotherapy is a method of vein removal where a solution called “sclerosing agent” is injected into the target veins. Once injected, the agent will cause the targeted vein to shrink immediately. Alternative methods for removing troublesome veins, vein striping and/or ligation, may keep you in the hospital from one to three weeks with a 30% chance of permanent nerve paralysis in the targeted areas. There is also the risk of pulmonary emboli (a blood clot in the lungs), infection, and permanent scarring. These alternative procedures require you to be under general anesthesia during treatment as well. Laser vein treatments are another option, creating scar tissue and closing the vein through the laser’s heat. However, treating veins by laser can take up to a year and is not as effective at closing veins beyond the surface of the skin. The advantages of sclerotherapy compared to alternative methods should be clear: no hospital stay, no anesthesia, equivalent results, and far less serious side effects.

With sclerotherapy, patients average three to four treatments, but sometimes may extend beyond six. Common side effects include itching around the injected vein, transient hyperpigmentation (darkening of the vein), sloughing (a small blister/ulceration), allergic reactions (extremely rare), and temporary pain along the targeted vein area.

Treatment Of Varicose And Spider Veins

The staff at Atlanta Center for Veins, our vein center at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, has been successfully treating veins since 1999. We offer many options for varicose and spider vein removal such as sclerotherapy, light and laser procedures. We will be happy to consult with you, answer your questions, and start you on the best treatment to treat your personal vein needs. Please feel free to contact our office 404-256-4457 Extension 271 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

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.

What Are Spider Veins?

These are the small, dilated veins seen frequently on the thighs, around the knees, on the calves, and around the ankles.

Do They Serve A Purpose?

No. They represent a dilation of surface vessels secondary to increased pressure in the deeper veins.

Is Sclerotherapy For Everyone?

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 patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

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.

What Are The Most Common Side Effects?

The most common side effects experienced with sclerotherapy treatment are as follows:

1. Itching. Depending on the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts one to two days.
2. Transient Hyperpigmentation. Approximately 30% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure. In rare instances, this darkening of the vein may persist for 4 to 12 months.
3. Sloughing. Sloughing occurs in less than 3% of patients who receive sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site that heals slowly. A blister may form, open, and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal color.
4. Allergic Reactions. Although it is extremely rare, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients who are treated with solutions other than salines and salines with dextrose (sugar).
5. Pain. A few patients may experience mild to moderate pain and some bruising, usually at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender after treatment, and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting one to, at most, seven days.

What Are The Other Side Effects?

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.

What Are The Possible Complications If I Do Not Have Sclerotherapy?

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.

Are There Other Types Of Procedures To Treat Varicose Veins And Telangiectasias? What Are Their Side Effects?

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.