Sclerotherapy

The sclerotherapy is a noninvasive technique used to reduce telangiectasias of the lower limbs by means of the injection, inside them, of an irritating substance that produces coagulation of the treated vessels and their subsequent absorption.

What are spider veins of the lower limbs

The capillaries visible in the lower limbs, known in the medical field such as spider veins, are thin dilated veins that run very superficially under the skin. Their colour varies from bright red to blue - dark green. Although they are connected with the venous system and depend on it, they do not play any important functional role.
Their formation depends on several factors ranging from genetic predisposition to factors related to the patient's daily life such as taking medication, overweight, prolonged upright posture, lack of exercise, hormonal disorders etc.

Possible conformations

• branches that radiate from a central point
• ramifications that depart from a linear central vessel
• single linear vessels (common in the knee joint cavity)

The spider veins often occur in connection with varicose veins. The latter are usually larger, deeper, darker and tend to be more blue. Can cause pain and be related to a more important failure of the deep venous system: in this case the sclerosing therapy, also of surface telangiectasia, would lead to failure. The presence of deep venous insufficiency can be diagnosed with an ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities and may require the intervention of the vascular surgeon.
The technique is carried out without anesthesia, it takes about 20 minutes. The sclerosing substance is injected in small vessel through a thin needle causing discomfort but not pain. The number of injections depends on the importance of the vessels to be treated. At the end of therapy, an antibiotic cream alond with a light compression medication are performed. 

Post-treatment period

• Slight burning sensation in the treated areas for a few hours.
• For the first 2-3 weeks avoid direct exposure to intense sunlight and excessive heat.
• Avoid physical activity of the lower limbs (jogging, weights, aerobics, etc.)
• Avoid standing position without adequate elastic compression
• Do not stay sitting down for a long period
• Walk frequently to prevent the formation of venous thrombi

Possible complications

• Formation of clots in the veins, inflammation, allergic reactions to the sclerosing product may produce skin lesions.
• Irregularities in the pigmentation of the treated skin: it can take months to normalize
• appearance of small spider veins in areas adjacent to the treatment: require further correction with sclerosing injections.

Results and their duration

After each session telangiectasias appear diminished. Normally 2 or more sessions are required to obtain a satisfactory result. With this procedure only the open telangiectasia are treated and can not be prevented the formation of new telangiectasias in the future.

For further information or appointment, please contact our clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.