Combined approach
With extensive damage to the tributaries, sclerotherapy usually becomes part of a combined plan: laser obliteration of the trunk, miniphlebectomy of the largest nodes and sclerosis of the remaining medium-sized veins. This combination allows you to get results in fewer procedures than using one method. The plan is drawn up after duplex scanning, and the final volume of sclerotherapy is determined after the effect of closing the trunk becomes visible.
How does sclerotherapy work?
The sclerosant causes controlled damage to the inner lining of the vein. The vessel collapses, sticks together and within a few weeks turns into a thin cord that dissolves and becomes invisible.
The method does not require incisions or anesthesia, is performed on an outpatient basis and allows you to return to normal life immediately. However, it is not universal: large trunks with pronounced reverse blood flow are not treated with sclerotherapy - laser obliteration is needed there.
An important condition for success
Spider veins and small veins are often just the tip of the problem. If there is an incompetent feeding trunk underneath them, sclerosis of the superficial veins will give a temporary result: in a few months they will appear again. Therefore, duplex scanning before treatment is mandatory, and when reflux is detected, its cause is first eliminated.
What to expect after the procedure
- veins darken and become more noticeable in the first 2-3 weeks - this is normal
- slight bruising and compaction along the vein are possible
- the final result is assessed after 4–8 weeks
- Full effect usually requires 2–4 sessions