FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DOES SCLEROTHERAPY VEIN TREATMENT WORK?
Our medical team successfully removes a wide range of unsightly vascular lesions, from fine facial veins, spider veins and vascular birth marks to larger leg veins. Our treatments are non-invasive, fast, safe and effective. Patients can resume normal activities within minutes of treatment. Each treatment session lasts 20-30 minutes. The needles used are very fine so discomfort is minimal and the treatment is generally painless. Once treated it can take between 2 weeks and 3 months for the veins to completely disappear. Typically 3 - 5 treatments are required to achieve optimal results. StudioMD offers one of the most effective laser vein removal options in NYC.*
A sclerosing agent is injected into the vein using a very fine needle. This damages the vessel lining causing causing the wall of the vessel to stick together. Blood stops flowing through the veins and the body treats them as damaged tissue which is slowly absorbed over a period of time.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SCLEROTHERAPHY & WILL TREATED VESSELS RECUR?
After treatment most patients can expect a 80-90% improvement in the treated vessel. The fading process is gradual with treated veins fading up to three months after the last treatment.
Veins treated adequately by Sclerotherapy should not recur. However, the underlying problem is not corrected and therefore new vessels may appear with time. An annual review is recommended to detect development of new vessels, which can then be treated.*
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE TREATMENT?
Please avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and Aloe Vera preparations for at least 10 days.
POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS?
Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Some patients with substantial reticular veins may be advised to wear support stockings for
period of time after the treatment.
You are recommended to walk as much as possible. Walking works the calf muscles and
pumps blood through other vessels back to the heart. This reduces the pressure in the
superficial vessels.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Several sessions may be required depending on the extent and size of the veins. On average veins on the legs require between 2-4 treatment sessions. This will be discussed during your consultation.*
ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?
Even when a highly experienced physician is performing the treatment, there are a number of possible side effects.
• Red, raised area at the treatment site. These should disappear within 24 hours
• Bruises, at the injection site. These will disappear in 7-10 days
• Aching in the leg for a day or two following treatment. This is uncommon but if it does occur it can usually be relieved by walking or paracetamol can also be taken
• Blood trapped in the sclerosed vein may cause the vein to be more noticeable and the vessel tender in the first few days to weeks after the treatment
• Allergic reactions to the sclerosing agent. Although very rare, if this happens the treatment will be stopped immediately