Sclerotherapy

Varicose veins – subcutaneous superficial vein dilation – is not just an aesthetic problem, but also a precursor to other, much more serious diseases.

According to the World Health Organization, about one in four women and one in eight men suffer from venous diseases.

The development of varicose veins is largely influenced by excess weight, tall stature, standing and heavy physical work (especially in the heat), a sedentary lifestyle, constipation, and most importantly – genetics. Most of those suffering from varicose veins inherit the condition from parents who had varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and other vascular diseases.

One of the oldest methods used to treat varicose veins is sclerotherapy. It is a non-surgical, effective, and painless treatment for dilated, prominent leg veins and capillary networks.

Sclerotherapy takes between 30 and 60 minutes. No special preparation is needed. You can return to your usual daily activities the same day.

Depending on the size of the varicose veins, multiple sessions may be required.

Advantages of sclerotherapy:

• Painless treatment method;
• Quick procedure and recovery;
• No preliminary preparation required for treatment.

Post-sclerotherapy guidelines

Tips for after the procedure:

• You must walk for about 30 minutes immediately after the procedure (do not sit);
• You can engage in routine activities after the procedure as it does not reduce your work capacity;
• If pain occurs, it is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (Ketanov, Ibuprofen, Ibumetin, Paracetamol, etc.);
• Immediately after sclerotherapy, a therapeutic compression stocking is applied, which you should wear daily from morning to evening for 2-3 weeks, and sleep with on the first night after the procedure;
• For 3-4 weeks after the procedure, it is not recommended to visit saunas, fly by plane, or lift weights;
• For 3 weeks after the procedure or until pigmentation disappears, avoid sunbathing and tanning beds, as this may provoke hyperpigmentation (brown spots) of the treated area.

Do not worry if:

• Pain, redness, or discomfort occur in the treated vein’s projection after the procedure. Hardening along the sclerosed vein often appears, which lasts up to a month (if necessary, the doctor removes it);
• A bruise forms around the injection site. It is recommended to apply Lioton 1000 or HepaGel. The bruise usually disappears after 3-6 weeks;
• You notice brown spots at the injection sites. In almost all patients, the vein immediately darkens and disappears after the injection of the sclerosant. Rarely, such vein darkening persists for 4-12 months.

When to immediately inform the doctor:

• If fever appears;
• If strong pain and swelling are felt in the legs and feet;
• If sudden cough or shortness of breath occurs.