What
is the procedure like?
Dr. Brown injects each individual vein with a salt solution which
causes inflammation of the vein. This prompts the body to destroy
the vein and remove it.
What solution is injected into the veins?
A strong salt solution (hypertonic saline). This is a more potent
solution of liquid that is already present in your body.
I have large bulging veins. Can they be treated?
Dr. Brown treats the small and medium veins. If you have large veins
that bulge out, they need to be treated with more aggressive methods.
The smaller ones can’t be treated until the larger ones are
gone.
What does a treatment session entail?
Dr. Brown injects as many veins on both legs as she can in one session.
One session can treat most vessels on the legs for many women, but
1 to 3 treatments may be needed for optimal results. (Some vessels
must be injected repeatedly before they resolve). If you have extensive
veins, you may need more than one session just to get all of the
veins.
Does it hurt?
There is some discomfort, but it is typically not as painful as
most people expect. The needle Dr. Brown uses is so small, that
you don’t really feel the needle pricks. Because the salt
solution aggravates your vessels, you will feel some stinging from
the medicine. You may also feel some minor cramping of the legs
from the salt in the vessels.
Are there any side effects?
You will definitely have bruising. Your legs will look much worse
before they look better. The bruising may last for up to a few weeks.
Many women prefer to wait until summer is over before they do this
treatment. You DO NOT want to do this a few weeks before a big vacation.
There are several other side effects that may occur, which we can
discuss during your visit.
Do I need to wear stockings after my treatment?
Dr. Brown recommends wearing medical compression stockings for 2
weeks after treatment for better results and fewer side effects.
You can bring your own medical support hose or purchase a pair through
our office.
I just delivered my baby and have lots of veins from the pregnancy.
Can they be treated?
Dr. Brown recommends waiting 6 months after delivery before sclerotherapy
treatment. Some of the veins may resolve on their own without treatment.