Sclerotherapy (incompetent vein)

Sclerotherapy or injection therapy is a medical procedure used in order to treatment malformations in blood vessels. During this procedure, a medicine is injected into the vessels themselves, which helps to make them smaller. The agent irritates the walls and causes it to collapse. The body will automatically re-route the blood through healthy veins. This treatment has been successful in those with varicose or spider veins or even hemorrhoids. Sometimes an ultrasound is needed in order to find the trouble vein. After the treatment, most veins fade within a couple of weeks. Sometimes several treatments are needed to see optimal results. 

 Most sclerotherapy procedures are performed right in the doctor’s office and don’t require general anesthesia. A local anesthetic may be used to help prevent pain or discomfort during the procedure. The size and number of blood vessels being treated will determine how many injections the procedure will require.

After sclerotherapy, the treated vein will eventually turn into scar tissue and disappear. Many patients are able to return to their daily routine the same day of the procedure, but doctors often recommend avoiding any strenuous activity for about two weeks after sclerotherapy treatment.