Sclerotherapy (leg vein injections) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

No one has determined for certain why some people are affected with spider veins and varicose veins and others are not: However a predisposing factor is genetics - other factors include hormones, pregnancies, birth control pills, prolonged standing or sitting and trauma.

Sclerotherapy is a technique which involves the use of a very fine needle to inject a solution directly into the veins. This solution irritates and destroys the inner lining of the blood vessel so it collapses and scars shut. This does not harm the circulation-it improves it by eliminating the abnormal, unnecessary vessel. The solution causes the blood within the vein to disappear or become less obvious. Several injections may be needed to totally eliminate the vessels. The procedure is virtually painless. Collapsing of the vessels is a slow process that takes 1 to 6 months. The goal is to produce a 75% to 90% improvement in both appearance and Spider veins AKA Telangiectasias. Spider veins are small dilated blood vessels that may form anywhere on the leg, from the top of the thigh to the ankle and at times can occur on the face. These may become unsightly with time and may also lead to dull aching, itching, or stinging of the legs after prolonged standing.

• Clots may develop at the injection sight, especially if the recommended pressure garments are not worn. This clot will not generally cause internal problems.

• Brown spots around the injected vessel usually resolve in 80% of patients within 3-6 months. A few patients will have a persistent discoloration for up to a year.

• Ulceration of the skin overlying the injected vessel may occur. This usually does not leave a scar but needs to be seen as soon as possible by your doctor. It can take 6-8 weeks to heal.

• The injected sites will look worse for a few weeks before they look better.

• Stocking garments are worn for at least 3 days and 2 nights depending on size of vessels and areas being treated.

• Walking is recommended and strenuous physical activity is avoided for at least 72 hours.

• No hot baths for a week.

If you are interested in learning more about Sclerotherapy, please contact our office and we will be happy to answer your questions.