Sclerotherapy Facial Veins
Sclerotherapy Side Effects
COSMETIC NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is best way to treat venulectasia on the legs. Venulectasia is the name for unsightly surface blue veins (venules). These are often referred to as 'thread veins' and are smaller than varicose veins. A strong solution (the sclerosant) is injected directly into the venules causing inflammation of the walls of the vessel. The venules disappear over a few weeks to months.
Larger varicose veins may also be treated by sclerotherapy, but sometimes surgery is a better option. If there are deep communicating veins, it is best to have a Duplex scan performed to map out their path, and for best results, the sclerotherapy may need to be performed with ultrasound guidance. If you have troublesome varicose veins, seek the advice of your dermatologist or ask to be referred to a vascular surgeon.
Although each session may involve a large number of injections, the needle used is very fine so that pain is not generally a problem. There may be some stinging as the solution travels through the smaller vessels. These become red and slightly swollen, sometimes itchy for a few hours.
Often cotton wool pads under adhesive plasters are applied to the injection sites. Pressure is applied to the treated vessels using graduated compression hosiery (support stockings) &/or bandages. These are usually worn for seven to ten days following each treatment. They come in different sizes and colours.
Patients are able to return to normal daytime activities immediately afterwards. They should walk for at least thirty minutes a day for the first few days following the procedure. Vigorous physical activities such as weight lifting or aerobics classes are not advised during this time.
Serious complications following sclerotherapy are rare.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is best way to treat venulectasia on the legs. Venulectasia is the name for unsightly surface blue veins (venules). These are often referred to as 'thread veins' and are smaller than varicose veins. A strong solution (the sclerosant) is injected directly into the venules causing inflammation of the walls of the vessel. The venules disappear over a few weeks to months.
Larger varicose veins may also be treated by sclerotherapy, but sometimes surgery is a better option. If there are deep communicating veins, it is best to have a Duplex scan performed to map out their path, and for best results, the sclerotherapy may need to be performed with ultrasound guidance. If you have troublesome varicose veins, seek the advice of your dermatologist or ask to be referred to a vascular surgeon.
- Hypertonic saline (20% NaCl i.e. strong salt solution)
- Sodium tetradecyl sulphate
- Polidocanol
Although each session may involve a large number of injections, the needle used is very fine so that pain is not generally a problem. There may be some stinging as the solution travels through the smaller vessels. These become red and slightly swollen, sometimes itchy for a few hours.
Often cotton wool pads under adhesive plasters are applied to the injection sites. Pressure is applied to the treated vessels using graduated compression hosiery (support stockings) &/or bandages. These are usually worn for seven to ten days following each treatment. They come in different sizes and colours.
Patients are able to return to normal daytime activities immediately afterwards. They should walk for at least thirty minutes a day for the first few days following the procedure. Vigorous physical activities such as weight lifting or aerobics classes are not advised during this time.
Serious complications following sclerotherapy are rare.
- Allergy from the sclerosant (this does not occur with hypertonic saline).
- Ulceration. This will eventually heal leaving a small scar, or may be removed surgically.
- Deep venous thrombosis. The risk is very small when venules are treated but it occasionally follows sclerotherapy of larger varicose veins. It is more likely in those predisposed to blood clotting through inherited thrombophilia, lack of exercise, air travel, after major operations and other reasons.
- Staining or brown pigmentation, at the site or along the line of the vein occurs in about 30% of patients. In most cases this resolves but it may take many months.
- Clots may appear within the treated vessels. These are not dangerous but can be quite tender if they occur in the larger veins. They can be removed through a needle prick if necessary, but left alone they will eventually be reabsorbed.
- Temporary bruising at the injection sites is quite common but resolves within a week or so.
- Capillary matting is an increase in the number of fine red vessels around the injection site - it may disappear on its own, or can be treated by further injections or a vascular laser.
