Sclerotherapy to eliminate varicose veins in the legs

The treatment of sclerotherapy with microfoam to remove varicose veins involves injecting into the diseased vein a chemical substance (polidocanol) in pharmaceutical form of microfoam. This injected substance displaces the blood and allows to selectively treating the internal wall of the varicose vein. The wall of the vein collapses so it can no longer transport blood. Thus, the chemical substance injected transforms the vein in a few months in a scar cord through which blood does not circulate.

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Polidocanol is the only safe sclerosing foam recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (the American organization that deals, among other things, with the supervision, approval and regulation of drugs).

Sclerotherapy treatment allows eliminating any varicose vein, regardless of its size, location or morphology, including large caliber.

“The treatment of sclerotherapy to remove varicose veins in the legs is safe and effective, but it must be done in a completely personalized way and under expert medical supervision, as advised by the Spanish Society of Aesthetic Medicine (SEME)” says Dr. Adriana Ribé.

Ribe Clinic sclerotherapy protocol in the treatment to eliminate varicose veins in the legs

The specialist doctor makes a clinical history with physical examination to assess the existence of varicose veins in the legs and the degree of them to decide the most appropriate treatment to eliminate varicose veins.

If the patient is a candidate for the sclerotherapy technique to remove their varicose veins, photos are taken and the area to be treated with varicose veins is decided, in which the microfoam will be injected. It is a technique that hardly causes discomfort to the patient, does not require hospitalization or anesthesia, so it can be used in elderly patients, who can not be operated on.

After the session of sclerotherapy to eliminate varicose veins in the legs, a small inflammation occurs in the treated area, which gradually disappears after a few hours. Depending on the size of the varicose vein and therefore the amount of blood it contains, there may be a “violet” area that will later be brown and may last for a few weeks until blood and hemosiderin (iron content of the blood) reabsorbs.

After this treatment to remove varicose veins, normal life can be made. In some cases, compression is applied to the treated area. It is not necessary to rest or cause sick leave.

Given that it does not present any type of contraindications (except the allergy to polidocanol) it can be performed at any age and regardless of the patient’s associated pathologies.

It is recommended (not contraindicated) not to be exposed to the sun after sclerotherapy treatment to remove varicose veins since hemosiderin is very photosensitive and could be pigmented. But with high sun protection you can go to the sun.

Frequently asked questions about sclerotherapy treatment to remove varicose veins in the legs

How many sessions of sclerotherapy are necessary to eliminate varicose veins in the legs?

The number of sessions needed in this sclerotherapy treatment to remove varicose veins varies according to the number of varicose veins, from 1 to 4-5 sessions (1 session every 15-30 days). In some cases, in 1 session the organism eliminates the varicose vein and the treated vein disappears.

If the vein treated after 1 sclerotherapy session is partially restored and reappears, another session may be necessary. This is because in many cases the varicose vein is connected to an underlying reticular venous network and more sessions are needed. Dr. Adriana Ribé advises to start treatment when the varicose veins are initial and in scarce number.

Post-sclerotherapy care in the treatment to remove varicose veins in the legs

After the sclerotherapy session to eliminate varicose veins in the legs, it is recommended:

  • Apply cream with vitamin K the days immediately after the session (2 times / day for 15-30 days).
  • Use total protection (SPF 50+) in the treated areas if exposed to the sun.
  • Compression of the area and / or compression stockings.