Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure to treat and remove varicose veins.  The procedure involves injecting a salty solution directly into the vein, which causes the lining of the blood vessel to swell and stick together.  Over time, the blood vessel turns into scar tissue and the varicose vein disappears.

How is the Sclerotherapy procedure done?
Typically, the procedure last 10-15 minutes, in which time the physician injects the salty solution directly into the vein using a very fine needle

What are the side effects of Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy has the following side effects:

• Itching and Raised / Red Area: Occurs around the area of the injection and generally only last for one or two days after the procedure
• Bruised Area: Occurs around the area of the injection and can last anywhere from several days to weeks
• Large Veins: Veins that have been injected can become hard and enlarged and generally take several months to shrink down to normal size
• Neovascularization: Development of new, tiny blood vessels that tend to occur at the area of injection.  These new veins tend to remain visual for three to six months at which time the fade away

References:
www.wedmd.com
Image obtained from www.surgerynj.com