Saline Sclerotherapy Sydney
Leg veins are usually inherited. They can also occur following pregnancy or weight gain, from standing for long periods or from taking hormonal medication. Sometimes there is no predisposing factor for their development.
Before After
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A solution, usually saline, is injected into the veins by one of our qualified doctors. This solution irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to shrink and fade. To see how sclerotherapy gets rid of leg veins, view video >>
Sclerotherapy is successful for most people. However, it may take a few weeks for any change to be seen and large veins may take some months to disappear completely. Some veins may need several treatments. Sclerotherapy does not prevent new veins appearing and maintenance treatments may be needed over the years to maintain your legs in their improved condition.
Before After
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This is very dependent upon the severity of the problem and the size of your veins. Most patients complete their treatment within 1 - 4 sessions spaced at six weekly intervals.
Light compression stockings should be worn for 11 days after saline sclerotherapy. Read More
- There is a stinging sensation as the solution enters the veins. Some temporary aching or cramping can occur if larger veins are injected. Light sedation is available if required.
- Small bruises will develop at the injection sites. These usually resolve over a week or two.
- A blush, made up of tiny veins, can develop around injection sites and make the skin look redder than before treatment. This reaction usually settles within six months but may be long lasting. Blushing occurs in about 5% of patients and of these is more common in women taking oestrogen. (I.e. The contraceptive pill or post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy).
- Brown staining of the skin can develop in treated areas due to leakage of iron pigment from dying veins. Such staining usually fades slowly and does not require treatment. Such staining rarely results from saline injections.
- Lumps, which may be tender, can develop if larger veins are treated. This is due to trapped blood within the vein. It is a good sign that the treatment has worked well and the trapped blood can be easily released at your next visit if necessary.
- Phlebitis. 1 in several hundred treatments will produce a length of tender, inflamed vein which usually lasts 10-14 days. An anti inflammatory medication may be used along with the compression stockings, to relieve pain. Appropriate use of compression stockings as suggested in the aftercare instructions will reduce the risk of this complication.
- Very rarely, ulceration may occur at an injection site. This may take several months to heal and may leave a white scar.
- Deep venous thrombosis, or clotting in the deep veins of the leg, can occur, albeit rarely, following this treatment. Movement of such clots to the lungs may result in a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. PLEASE INFORM YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE A PERSONAL OR FAMILY HISTORY OF CLOTTING.
- Patients prone to migraine may sometimes experience symptoms of impending migraine. Such symptoms usually settle over 20-30 minutes and full blown migraine rarely develops.
Before After
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Sclerotherapy is not recommended for pregnant women. Sclerotherapy is not recommended closer than one month prior to long haul air travel (i.e. more than 5 hours)
Spider veins, unlike larger varicose veins, cannot be treated by surgery. Laser treatments currently available are not effective for leg veins.
Medicare rebates apply to veins greater than 2.5mm in diameter.
