Sclerotherapy Treatments Video: Victorian Cosmetic Institute

This video shows Dr. Sandy Fieldhouse of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute discussing and performing sclerotherapy treatments for unattractive veins in the legs. These veins are a common problem for both men and women, although they more frequently affect women. Sclerotherapy treatments address large varicose veins as well as smaller, blue and red blood vessels. It is a simple "in and out" procedure that requires very little downtime.

Sclerotherapy  usually requires two to four treatments in order to achieve optimal results. These treatments are performed four to six weeks apart and last for approximately thirty minutes. After treatment, one may generally expect a sixty to ninety percent improvement in veins' appearance.

Sclerotherapy is performed using a very fine needle and is typically nearly painless. The needle is inserted into problem blood vessels and a harmless solution is flushed through, clearing the vessel. The results are usually visible immediately as blood vessels are cleared out. This procedure is repeated on each unsightly vein. The doctor starts with veins high on the leg and works his or her way down because bigger vessels higher on the leg tend to feed smaller, lower ones. After every vein had been flushed, a compression bandage is applied to the leg. The bandage should be worn for five to seven days and improves results by preventing inflammation and restricting blood vessels.

After sclerotherapy, a patient must avoid prolonged travel for two weeks due to a slight risk of blood clots. Strenuous exercise must also be avoided for 48 hours, but normal activity is perfectly fine. Patients also need to understand that treated veins may look worse before they improve. They may take on a bruised or brownish appearance for a couple weeks after treatment. Therefore, sclerotherapy should not be undertaken directly before a event at which the legs will be on display.

Dr. Fieldhouse emphasizes that sclerotherapy is a low-hassle, quick, relatively painless procedure that provides significant improvement in the appearance of leg veins.