Foam Sclerotherapy

An important and versatile treatment

Foam sclerotherapy is very effective at treating unsightly varicose veins, especially the blue reticular leg veins (see below). We also use foam sclerotherapy to effectively treat “left-over”  and “recurrent” veins after prior treatment. This treatment can often close veins that contribute to venous ulcers and improve healing. The in-office procedure doesn’t require anesthesia and takes less than an hour.     

Foam sclerotherapy not only improves the appearance of varicose veins, the treatment can also help to reduce symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Aching
• Swelling
• Burning
• Night cramps
• Skin damage/venous ulcers

What’s Involved?
Although many sclerotherapy techniques use a liquid, foam sclerotherapy relies on a foam mixture. The foam replaces the blood in the vein being treated. This means the active ingredients stay in direct contact with the vein wall longer, allowing the foam to work more effectively than liquid sclerotherapy agents. We use the smallest needle possible to inject a foam solution into problem veins to minimize discomfort. Visibility of small veins is enhanced with magnifying glasses; a Veinlite and/or ultrasound is also used to visualize veins and ensure the foam medicine spreads effectively. The foam causes the veins to turn into scar tissue and be absorbed by the body so blood no longer fills them. When the blood cannot flow through the veins, they stop causing symptoms and disappear. Foam sclerotherapy has been shown to be more effective than sclerotherapy using a liquid solution, especially for larger veins.

What Are The Results?
Typically, the body will absorb the diseased vein and blood is rerouted to healthy veins within a few weeks. If you are treated for small varicose veins or spider veins, you can usually expect to see results in six weeks. Larger veins may require three to four months. Treated veins generally don’t come back, but new veins may appear in the future.

Wearing a compression stocking for two weeks following treatment provides the best results.

We will schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks after the procedure to check on how you are doing and decide whether you need additional sessions. Many patients require multiple treatment sessions, depending on the extent of the problem veins.