Surface veins are often numerous, widespread and will sometimes require several treatments. Sclerotherapy is considered the choice method for the treatment of reticular (larger blue) and spider (fine pink) veins. This involves injection of a sclerosant detergent solution through a tiny needle into the diseased vein. This causes the vein wall to collapse. The veins gradually disappear as the body converts the vein to scar tissue. For some patients with spider veins the underlying reticular veins may need to be treated first.
Compression may be required for larger blue veins but is not usually required for smaller veins.
There are a number of side effects seen with sclerotherapy – many of these are seen as a normal consequence of successful treatment
Stinging sensation – Some stinging may be experienced at the time of treatment. This settles within a few minutes and is generally fairy mild.
Bruising – This generally will disappear over 1-2 weeks
Darkness – Treated reticular and spider veins will initially appear darker. This is a normal stage in the healing process and a sign of successful treatment. It is not permanent and will fade. Some brownish pigmentation overlying the veins is quite normal and will gradually fade. This may take several months in larger blue reticular veins
Blood trapping – With larger reticular veins there can sometimes be trapped blood which makes the vein somewhat tender and lumpy with some overlying brown pigmentation. This is, again, a sign that treatment has been successful and will gradually resolve sometimes over the course of a couple of months.
Aching – This is more likely with the treatment of larger reticular veins. It is relieved by walking. You can take Panadol or Nurofen if this is persistent, although this is rarely necessary.
Sclerotherapy is a very safe procedure and the majority of complications experienced are relatively minor
Matting is the development of a very fine network of spider veins around the area of treatment. It is more common in people with extensive surface veins. Matting will usually resolve spontaneously although further injections can often improve the appearance.
Swelling of the leg or ankle sometimes occurs due to inflammation of the skin. Wearing the compression stocking, walking and elevating the leg will all help. If the swelling is severe or persistent please contact the clinic
Allergic reactions to the injected sclerosant are extremely rare with the treatment of spider veins. Any shortness of breath, itching, or rash at the time of treatment needs to be reported to the Doctor who will initiate appropriate treatment.
Ulcers of the skin are rare and usually appear as small, painful sores within a couple of weeks of treatment.. They do heal but quite slowly. These usually occur because of sclerosant passing from the treated vein to a small artery and are more common in smokers and people with certain medical conditions.
Phlebitis is the appearance of tender, red, swollen areas and is due to inflammation of the treated veins. It will usually occur in larger reticular veins. Phlebitis does eventually resolve by itself but anti inflammatory medication (such as Nurofen or Voltaren) or gel will help this to resolve more quickly.
It is never possible to guarantee complete clearance of leg veins and depends on many factors such as number and duration of veins, age, other medical problems etc..You can generally expect approx 80 – 90 % improvement in most cases, although, a small number of people don’t seem to respond well. Totally new veins will also appear over time therefore treatment may need to be repeated some years down the track.
The cost of treatment is $550 for a 30 - 45 min session. This includes both legs and quite extensive work can often be done in this time period.
If you have larger blue veins you can usually claim a Medicare rebate of approx $95 – your Doctor will advise you if you are eligible.
Most people will require more than one treatment – this will be discussed at your initial consult. These are usually organized approx 1 month apart.
Now located at:
43 Glen Osmond Road
Eastwood SA 5063
