Sclerotherapy is a simple and safe procedure that is virtually painless. It has been used in Europe for more than 60 years. Introduced into the United States approximately 30 years ago, it has now become a very popular and effective cosmetic procedure for the treatment of telangiectatic leg veins. Telangiectatic leg veins are small yet unsightly clusters of red, blue, or purple veins that commonly occur on the thighs, calves, and ankles.  They occur in up to eighty million adults in the U.S. and the incidence increases with age.  Other common predisposing factors include strong family history, hormonal factors including pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting.

Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a sterile “sclerosing” solution mixed with a numbing solution that alters the walls of the veins, causing them to collapse and dissolve.  The solution is injected with a tiny needle that is often described as feeling like a mosquito bite.  After the treatment you will be asked to wear compression stockings for two weeks to ensure the best possible results.   

There can be some temporary bruising, discoloration, swelling, or tenderness after treatment, which typically resolves within two weeks.  There are steps that you can take to prevent or reduce many of these effects, which will be reviewed at time of consultation.  It can take three to six weeks to see the full benefit of one treatment session.  Often two or more treatments are necessary, about four weeks apart.

If you have diabetes, autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, severe circulatory problems, or if you are pregnant or lactating, you are not a good candidate.  In addition, if you are on anticoagulant therapy or use corticosteroids for the control of a chronic medical condition, you are not an ideal candidate.