DERMATLANTA.COM > ATLANTA CENTER FOR VEINS
Atlanta Center For Veins
Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
Treatment Of Varicose And Spider Veins
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Dwayne Taylor, R.N.—Biography
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).