Development of varicose veins is primarily determined by the individual’s genes. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, jogging on hard ground and high impact aerobics are other contributing factors.
2. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE LIKE?
Little discomfort is involved with this procedure. A concentrated salt and water solution is injected inside the vessels to induce formation of new blood vessels which are not normally visible with the naked eye.
3. DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR THIS TREATMENT?
Leg vein injection is performed more easily if the skin is dry. Two to three days before the procedure, bathe with a non-moisturizing soap like Coast or Ivory and discontinue applying any moisturizers to your legs. Bring along a pair of shorts to wear during the procedure.
4. IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO IMMEDIETLY AFTER THE TREATMENT?
Everyone is asked to take a walk for about 20 minutes after the procedure. If you are prescribed, bring compression stockings to wear over the following three days.
5.WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
The redness and swelling in the injected sites will fade away over the next 24 hours. Over the following 6 weeks, you will note gradual disappearance of the treated vessels. You may note 30-90% clearance of the vessels depending on the location, type of varicosities, family history, oral contraception intake, history of prior sclerotherapy, level and type of physical activities, your age and weight.
6. CAN I RESUME MY REGULAR ACTIVITIES AFETR THE PROCEDURE?
You may resume your daily activities immediately after the procedure. Avoid prolonged jogging on hard ground and high impact aerobics for about 10 days after the procedure.
7. SHOULD I BE WORRIED IF I NOTICE ANY BLOOD CLOTS?
Two to three days after the procedure you may notice small blood clots in the larger blood vessels, an expected event in blood vessels larger in diameter than the capillaries. Blood clots feel like a hard linear cord underneath the skin. Because they are located in the superficial venous system, they are of no health hazard to you and will clear on their own over time. Blood clots may result in temporary discoloration just like a bruise.
8. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
It is advisable to wait at least 4-6 weeks before retreating any injected veins, in case there has not been enough clearance. Repeat treatments may be needed based on the outcome of the first treatment. Touch up procedures are not free of charge.
9. ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCEDURE?
Two independent rare complications are development of “star burst” blood vessels at an individual injection site and ulceration. Sclerotherapy outcome follows the bell-shaped curve pattern like any other event in nature. 5% of patients will be thrilled, 90% will be satisfied to various degrees, and 5% will be unsatisfied with complications, 4% of which are complications that correct themselves over time and 1% (or probably less) are complications which may leave a long-lasting residual mark.
