Sclerotherapy… An Effective Treatment for Unsightly Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy Treatment for Veins in San Antonio, TX

Sclerotherapy is a very effective and commonly used method of treating veins of all sizes by injecting a type of medication called a sclerosant into a vein. The sclerosant causes the vein to become inflamed, close and subsequently be reabsorbed by the body. There are several types of sclerosants available. At this time the only pharmaceutical grade FDA approved sclerosant is called Sotradecol and is used for almost all sclerotherapy treatments at EVC.

It is very important that it be determined whether or not there is any underlying large vein reflux before sclerotherapy for small and medium-sized veins is started. It is not unusual that spider veins and bulging reticular veins are signs of underlying large vein disease.

Although sclerotherapy is minimally uncomfortable for most people, a significant number of people are put off by injections. In order to overcome this problem, we offer conscious sedation to help people relax and minimize their discomfort during treatment.

Only medical professionals who understand the use of sclerosants and their limitations should perform sclerotherapy.

Reticular Vein Treatment

Reticular veins, also called blue veins, are well treated with sclerotherapy. Usually, one injection will treat several inches of a reticular vein. It is best to treat reticular veins that feed a network of spider veins. In many cases the spider veins will be treated when the associated reticular veins are injected.

In some cases, bulging reticular veins may be best treated by performing a microphlebectomy.

Spider Vein Treatment in San Antonio

Spider veins are best treated with sclerotherapy. One injection of the sclerosant allows a network of spider veins to be treated at one time. This includes not only visible veins but those to which they are connected. It is best to treat larger reticular “feeder” veins before or at the same time as treating spider veins to minimize the chance of treatment failure. More than one treatment for an area may be required.

Truncal Vein Treatment

The great saphenous vein and the small saphenous vein are often the source of reflux that causes bulging varicose veins. The saphenous veins are usually not seen even if they are incompetent because they are located under a layer of connective tissue. These veins are usually treated using endovenous laser ablation (CoolTouch) or sclerotherapy.

Varicose Vein Treatment in San Antonio

Large bulging veins are often tributaries of truncal veins (the great or small saphenous veins). They may be treated with sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy or endovenous laser (CoolTouch) depending on the situation. Associated reflux from truncal veins or perforating veins should be treated either before or at the same time that varicose veins are treated.