Millions of women and men are bothered by unsightly veins on their faces and legs.

Spider Veins (telangiectasias) are small red, blue and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs.

Varicose Veins are usually larger in diameter and may appear raised with a bluish or greenish color. They may also be related to more serious vein disorders and require a careful evaluation by your doctor prior to treatment.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is one of three modern methods used for removing varicose veins. Unlike the two other methods (vein stripping and ambulatory phlebectomy), Scerotherapy is non-surgical and also more cost-effective. Developed in Europe, Scerotherapy is a simple, virtually painless “clinic procedure” that uses the latest microinjection technology to shrink veins. Spider veins can only be removed through laser treatment or Sclerotherapy.

How does Sclerotherapy work?

First, the veins to be treated are identified. During the procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the vein through a micro-needle. The solution causes the vein to blanch (turn white), then shrinks until it gradually disappears with time. Cotton balls with plaster bandages are placed after each injection and are removed around 30 minutes after the procedure.

Is Sclerotherapy safe?

The Belo Medical Group uses a German-made solution which has been proven to be extremely safe. The solution not only causes the vein to disappear, but it also improves circulation in healthy working veins. BMG has performed hundreds of successful Sclerotherapy procedures over the past 15 years.

What is the treatment like?

A typical Sclerotherapy session lasts 15 to 20 minutes. There is nothing to fear as the tiny needles generally cause very minimal discomfort. The numbers of sessions, which are spaced every two to three weeks, vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response rate.

What results can I expect from it?

A realistic goal would be for 80 to 90 percent of the veins to disappear. While the veins that have been treated are permanently gone, new veins may appear in time and should be treated as early as possible to prevent worsening. It is advisable for patients to follow up at least once a year, after completion of the initial treatment.

What should I do after the treatment?

Patients are asked to wear vascular stockings for 3-4 days after treatment. They are encouraged to resume normal activities immediately. Walking is encouraged because it increases blood flow to other veins but strenuous leg work is minimized for the next 3 days.

What are the adverse reactions?

Post-Sclerotherapy: A certain percentage of patients develop low-grades fever, chills and muscle ache (similar to flu-like symptoms) which usually last for a day. It is common to experience heaviness on the legs. There may be bruising and pigmentation on the veins treated which resolve anywhere from a couple of days to a few months.

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