What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy, also known as "sclerotherapy," is a frequently used technique for treating telangiectasias. This technique involves injecting a liquid that causes the spider veins to collapse.
Once these vessels no longer have circulation, the collapsed veins are naturally reabsorbed by the body and disappear, no longer being aesthetically evident.
Sclerotherapy Treatment
To perform sclerotherapy there is no need for any prior preparation on the part of the patient.
The procedure is performed in the office using an extremely fine needle and is virtually painless. After disinfecting the area to be treated, the specialist applies the sclerosing solution to the treated veins.
There are 2 types of sclerotherapy:
- Liquid sclerotherapy: This procedure is the most commonly used to eliminate telangiectasias (“rays” or “strokes”) on the legs.
- Foam sclerotherapy: This technique injects a foam resulting from a mixture of the sclerosing agent and air, enhancing the treatment's effect. This type of treatment is useful in the treatment of large varicose veins when surgical removal is desired.
The methods are applied according to the patient's condition. They can be used simultaneously, as a complement, or in conjunction with other leg varicose vein treatment techniques, such as Cryo-Laser and Cryo-Sclerotherapy.
A phleboscope is generally used, which also allows the identification and treatment of the main veins that cause bleeding.
The number of injections is related to the type and number of spider veins to be treated.
Contraindications
This technique may be indicated for the vast majority of patients who want to treat leg effusions.
It cannot be performed on people with any type of allergy to the liquid used.
It is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Dr. Joana de Carvalho treating leg effusions with sclerotherapy.
Procedure
20-30 min per session (the number of sessions depends on the number of spider veins to be treated);
Performed in the office;
You can return to work immediately.
Post-treatment
After treatment, patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
It is recommended to use elastic stockings/compression stockings for 2 to 3 days after each session.
For 15 days, sun exposure or other sources of direct heat (such as sauna, Turkish bath or laser hair removal) should be avoided, as well as strenuous physical exercise.
Risks associated with this technique may include local swelling, bruising, redness, burning, hyperpigmentation, or matting (appearance of new telangiectasias). In most cases, the effects are temporary.
Medical Specialist
in Sclerotherapy
Dr. Joana de Carvalho
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Member of the College of Phlebology
Specialist Doctor
in Sclerotherapy
Prof. Doctor Sergio Sampaio
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- PhD from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
Specialist Doctor
in Sclerotherapy
Dr. José Carlos Vidoedo
- Graduated in Medicine from the University of Porto (FMUP)
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Author and co-author of several communications and articles.
Medical Specialist
in Sclerotherapy
Dr. Filipa Jácome
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Master's Degree in Medicine, from the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS)
- Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP)
- She was awarded 5 scientific merit awards.
English (UK)