Sclerotherapy is one method, along with surgery, radiofrequency and laser ablation, for treatment of varicose veins and venous malformations. Sclerotherapy has been used in the treatment of varicose and spider veins for over 150 years. Like varicose vein surgery, the technique of sclerotherapy has evolved during that time. Modern techniques including ultrasound guidance and foam sclerotherapy are the latest developments in this evolution. Injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. Sclerotherapy is the "gold standard" and is still largely preferred over laser for eliminating large spider veins (also called telangiectasiae) and smaller varicose leg veins. Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the "feeder veins" under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, which helps to prevent spider veins in the treated area from returning. The patient's leg is then compressed with either stockings or bandages that they wear usually for 2 weeks after treatment. Patients are also encouraged to walk regularly during that time. It is common practice for the patient to require at least 2 treatment sessions separated by several weeks to significantly improve the appearance of their leg veins.
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3/20/2010 9:54:56 AM 38.107.191.116