Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins.
It involves an injection of a solution, such as Asclera, directly into the vein irritating the interior walls of the vein, causing them to constrict and close.
This prevents the flow of blood through the affected vein and can effectively eliminate the swelling, bulging, discomfort and discoloration, which may be caused by small varicose veins or spider veins.
Sclerotherapy With Asclera Or Polidocanol
What Is Asclera?
Asclera Injections is an FDA-approved prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called Sclerotherapy and is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:
- Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins < 1mm in diameter)
- Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure to treat uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated reticular veins.
The treatment involves the injection of a solution into the affected veins.
How Does Asclera Work?
Asclera is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the veins. It works by damaging the endothelium, the cells lining the inside of the blood vessels. This causes blood platelets to attach to the lining of the vessels; eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.
How Long Is Each Sclerotherapy Session?
A typical sclerotherapy session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. One injection is usually administered per inch with multiple injections per session.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you wear compression stockings following the treatment.
What Should I Avoid After Receiving Sclerotherapy?
For two to three days following the treatment, avoid ( if you are uncertain, please ask your healthcare provider):
- Heavy exercise
- Sunbathing
- Long plane flights
- Hot bath or sauna
You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including:
- Prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products
Are There Any Possible Side Effects To Sclerotherapy?
YES, they may include:
- Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes ( >3ml). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized. Be prepared to treat anaphylaxis appropriately.
- In rare cases formation of small “burns” or ulcers form, usually due to leakage of Asclera into the skin. They heal in time, but may leave a scar.
- Inadvertent perivascular injection of Asclera can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without Adrenaline) may be injected.
You Should Not Be Treated With Sclerotherapy If You:
- Have a known allergy to polidocanol
- Have an acute thromboembolic disease
- Are pregnant or nursing
Asclera is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years of age.
