Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for unsightly leg veins.
The treatment consist of a series of small injections into the leg veins.
The injections are followed by strapping the injected vein up as shown below.
Following injection, the vessel walls become irritated and inflamed as can be seen in the vessel above the strapping. The reason for the strapping is to compress the injected vessel to the point where the opposing vessel walls touch. Because the vessel walls are irritated from the injection, they will tend to stick together, thereby obliterating the vessel. This eventually leads to the absorption and disappearance of the injected vessel over a period of weeks.
Treatments are seperated by 4-6 weeks.
I had scleotherapy some 20 years ago on my calves which worked very well but the veins have all reappeared and are now worse than ever before also now on my thighs. What chance on success do I now have ? The solution used at the time I believe was salt water ? Also what is your opinion of the SVT Treatment as explained in the spidervein.co.za website
Dear Charmaine. The treatments options depends on vein size. With small veins sclerotherapy is a good option. With large veins surgery becomes and option. Whatever option is chosen, the treatment cannot prevent the possible development of future varicose veins.
Good day Dr. Louw,
How much would a consultaiton cost to see you and for you to be able to recommend laser or sclerotherapy?
Thanks
Melissa
Dear Melissa. Please look here.
What is the composition of the solution injected into the veins.
Dear Lehana. I use Polidocanol.
Hallo Dr,
I had schlerotherapy done on my legs in July this year with another doctor. There are still very bad marks and bruises on my legs and this after 6 months. In fact the areas that were done looks worse than before! I had to go back to treat the veins not done but I do not trust the doctor anymore! I had the procedure done in the past a couple of years ago and the first time was without any marks or bruises and I healed completely in a few weeks. This time around the procedure was extremely painful and burning. The doctor told me that the solution he uses is much stronger.
Does the effect of the procedure change when you are getting older or did I just chose the wrong doctor?
How can I correct the effects of my last procedure or will it be permanent?
How can I prevent the same effects if I would chose to treat the new/other veins?
Thank you
Dear Alet. It is very difficult to say, without seeing you. Is it possible to come and show me?
How will Sclerotherapy work on much bigger veins? When is the best time of year to have it done?
Dear Ursula. The principal is the same, but the treatment has more potential complications. Depending on the size and position of vessel the treatment sometimes needs to be done under Doppler ultrasound guidance.
l have (bumps caused by the barbar) in grown hair at the back of my head hw can u help me ,like wich medician can l buy over the counter or l can come for u to have a look and hw much is it for tht treatment
Dear Oscar. You most likely have a condition called Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. There are no over the counter medication that will help for it, except not shaving your hair short. Come and show me, if you can.
Hi Dr.
Would one need to come in for an evaluation beforehand or book and get it done on the same day?
Thanks
Dear Amy. The treatment is most often done on the same day.
Dr louw
I just want to know if its possible to have schlerotherapy done on your thighs aswell? All the pictures only show lower region of leg? Was just wondering? If got problems in side of lower leg and thigh area?
Thank you
Frann
Dear Frann. Yes, it is possble to do sclerotherapy on the thighs.
Hi Dr. Louw,
I have small red veins on and around my nose, can sclerotherapy help for this? I tried laser before but it was unsuccessful.
How long before I can fly if I had to have the treatment done on my nose?
Another question – what is the cost for botox (area around my mouth/nose)
Dear Hannecke. Sclerotherapy is not an option around the nose. There are many variables with laser therapy. I would suggest you try it again, but with a dermatologist. Botox cost R52.50 per unit. The peri-oral area is not the usual areas for Botox.
Dear Veroeska. If you are a suitable candidate for sclerotherapy, the first treatment is done on the day of appointment. You do have to schedule an appointment. Speak to Done or Marisel when you phone.
Dr. Louw,
On average, how many sessions are required? Also, how soon after the procedure can you fly? I travel for work…
Dear Feroza. The number of session depends on the size of the area and the size of the vessels that need to be treated. Ballpark 2-6 sessions. No flying for 3 weeks post sclerotherapy.
how many sessions are required?
Can this treatment be claimed back from medical aid eg Discovery Coastal Saver? And can you take part in sport eg running/cycling between treatments?
Dear Elsabe. Please check this with your medical aid. The procedure is called “Sclerotherapy for varicose veins” and the medical aid procedure codes are: 1421 & 1419. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 days post treatment. Mild exercise, like walking, is fine. You should not rest entirely, but go about your daily activities
What is the more effective (as well as safer) treatment for spider veins: injections or laser treatment?
Dear Carlise. Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for varicose veins. Certain lasers can be used to treat small veins. Sometimes, with one sclerotherapy injection a relatively large area can be cleared of veins. The substance that is injected flows into all the vessels that branch off the vessel being injected. With a laser, “shots” are required along the entire length of the vein.
How much would this procedure cost in ZAR, please?
Where in Cape Town can one get this done?
Dear Regan. It costs about R700-R800 per session. There is a limit to the volume of the substance that I can safely inject per session, but a substantial number of small leg veins can be treated per session. Session are spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.