Sclerotherapy (vein injections) is a treatment where a medical liquid or foam is injected into a vein through a fine needle, irritating its wall so it gradually closes and fades. It is often used for small and medium veins, thread veins and veins left after previous treatment, and in Amman it is offered after an examination of your legs.
Note: Sclerotherapy is one of the options for non-surgical varicose vein treatment. If your varicose veins come from a main vein with weak valves, that vein may need another treatment before or alongside injections.
When is sclerotherapy considered?
- Small or medium visible veins that are uncomfortable or bother you.
- Red or blue thread veins on the legs.
- Veins left or returning after laser, radiofrequency or surgery.
- Itching, burning or heaviness around small veins.
- Some larger veins, using foam injections, as judged by your doctor.
What does sclerotherapy treat?
Small veins and varicose veins appear when vein walls and valves weaken and blood pools. Injections close these veins so blood reroutes through healthy veins.
- Thread veins and reticular (net-like) veins.
- Small and medium varicose veins.
- Branches left after a main vein has been closed.
Diagnosis
Your doctor examines your legs and asks about your symptoms and health history, including any previous clots, allergies or pregnancy.
If there are obvious varicose veins or symptoms, your doctor may request a Doppler ultrasound to check that no main vein needs treating, because injecting the branches alone may not be enough in that case.
Where sclerotherapy fits among the options
Sclerotherapy is part of a step-by-step plan that starts with the simplest option:
The number of sessions and type of injection depend on the size and number of veins. Your doctor will explain the expected plan after the examination.
- Lifestyle changes and compression stockings to ease symptoms.
- Liquid injections for small veins and thread veins, or foam injections for some larger veins.
- Laser or radiofrequency treatment when a main vein is the cause, sometimes with injections for the branches.
- Surgery where other methods are not suitable.
What to expect on the day and after
Injections are usually given without anaesthetic because the needle is very fine. The vein is injected at several points, and ultrasound may be used to guide the needle into deeper veins. You can usually walk and go home after the session.
- You are usually encouraged to walk after the session.
- You may be asked to wear compression stockings for a period your doctor will set.
- Bruising, redness or small firm lumps at the injection sites are common and fade gradually.
- Some people notice light brown skin staining, which often fades with time.
- The veins usually fade gradually, and further sessions may be needed.
When to book an appointment
- Small veins or thread veins that bother you.
- Varicose veins that have come back after treatment.
- You want to know whether injections could suit you.
- Severe pain or leg swelling after injections, which should prompt you to contact your doctor straight away.