Sclerotherapy
Overview
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy treatment involves injecting a solution directly into the vein. The sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into local tissue and eventually fades away from view. At MC Aesthetics, we use a prescription medicine called Asclera® (polidocanol) to treat sclerotherapy. Asclera® treats two types of veins: uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins. Asclera® has not been studied in varicose veins more than 3 mm in diameter. Asclera® has been an FDA-approved treatment since 2010.
Benefits
- Non-surgical
- FDA-approved in the U.S. since 2010
- Quick treatments – each session typically lasts 15 to 45 minutes
- Minimal side effects
Who is Not a Good Candidate
You shouldn’t receive Asclera if you have a known allergy to polidocanol, have an acute vein or blood clotting (thromboembolic) disease, or are pregnant or nursing. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Together, you can ensure that Asclera® is right for you.
Additional Tips
- Walk 15 to 20 minutes after the treatment and continue this every day for the next few days
- Avoid heavy exercise
- Avoid sunbathing
- Avoid hot baths or saunas for at least 2 or 3 days
- Avoid long plane flights
- Wear compression stockings or support hose continuously for up to 3 days and 2 to 3 weeks after treatment during the daytime
