Foxhall OB/GYN Associates, P.C.
4910 Mass. Ave., Suite 112 Wash.D.C.
Teresa Bren, Nurse Sclerotherapist
Telephone: 202-244-3523
Sclerotherapy Information Page
Frequently Asked Questions About Sclerotherapy
What is Sclerotherapy?
What are abnormal veins?
Why do varicose veins and spider veins occur?
What happens to the blood which was flowing in these veins?
What are the benefits of treatment?
Where is sclerotherapy performed?
Will my activities be limited?
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
Will my health plan cover sclerotherarpy?
Compression Hose Information
Sclerotherapy Tips
Sclerotherapy FAQ
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that involves injection a medication with a tiny needle into abnormal veins. The medication produces a chemical inflammation within the lining of the vein wall. The vein collapses and the walls stick together to form a fibrotic cord. The vein walls remain compressed by a specially fitted gradient compression stocking which assists with the fibrous closure of the treated veins. This fibrosed vein is absorbed by the body over a period of a few weeks to several months.
What are abnormal veins?
Varicose and spider veins are considered abnormal. Varicose veins are the large, bulging, ropey veins seen on the legs. They are often painful. Spider veins are the smaller red or blue thread like veins appearing in clusters or alone. They tend to appear on the face and legs, but can be found anywhere on the body.
Why do varicose veins occur?
Veins most often dilate and become varicose as a result of increased downward pressure on the vein from a point above it. The pressure can be temporary (i.e. pregnancy, excessive straining) or constant (force of gravity upon one’s body or one’s own body weight). As the vein wall becomes less elastic, it stretches and fills with more blood, thus preventing the two valve flaps inside the vein from meeting. The valves are then no longer effective at preventing blood from flowing backwards, thereby creating a vicious cycle of increased pressure on the next valve below it, and so on.
Contributing factors to developing varicose and spider veins are heredity; trauma (such as falls or blows to the body), long periods of sitting or standing; and excess weight. More women than men develop varicose veins, perhaps as a result of hormonal influence or pregnancy.
What happens to the blood which was flowing in these veins?
These veins are dysfunctional because they do not carry blood properly, and allow blood to pool. They are a burden on the circulatory system and are thought to be the cause of many symptoms. Once the veins are closed, the body will redirect the blood flow into he deep veins which are stronger, and are supported by muscle.
What are the benefits of treatment?
Some people experience relief of symptoms after treatment. The closure of treated vessels halts backflow of blood, and as a result, symptoms and disease progression is slowed.
Where is sclerotherapy performed?
Sclerotherapy is performed in our office. A treatment session takes approximately 30 minutes.
Will my activities be limited?
No. You should plan to walk for 30 minutes after each treatment, and then resume normal activities of daily living.
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
First appointment: Diagnostic Consultation……………………$100.00
Subsequent appointments: Sclerotherapy treatments………… $350.00
A typical course of evaluation, diagnostic tests, and treatment will cost several hundred to one thousand dollars (rarely more, in special cases).
Will my health plan cover sclerotherapy?
NO. These procedures are considered cosmetic, and as such, are NOT covered by any medical insurance.
PATIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY IN FULL AT TIME OF SERVICE
Compression Hose Information
Sclerotherapy is a technique performed in your doctor’s office to eliminate varicose and spider veins. The clinician will use a tiny needle to inject a small amount of a sclerosing medication (Sotradecol) into your abnormal vessels. This will produce an irritation on the inside of the vein, causing it to close and disappear. The process of absorbing the treated veins is accomplished by each person at an individual rate, usually over a period of 4 to 8 weeks. There will be a closed vein under the skin where the visible vein used to be. This is known as a “cord”. It is expected to be sensitive and discolored for several weeks after treatment. This cord will disappear completely with time.
In order to maximize the symptomatic relief as well as cosmetic results, a most important part of your treatment process includes wearing a compression hose after each treatment. The compression hose will facilitate the closing of the veins and help prevent the re-establishment of blood flow in the treated system. We require that you wear the hose for 72 uninterrupted hours post treatment, and then for the next 3 days while you are out of bed during the day and evening. You may remove them on the fourth night after treatment unless otherwise directed. The compression must be reapplied each morning and be worn until bedtime that night. The compression hose must be worn a total of 6 or 7 days after each treatment.
Compression hose can and should be worn during a shower/bath and towel dried afterwards. Also, you may find it convenient to purchase a cast cover at the pharmacy or use a long plastic bag to protect our hose while bathing. We will provide you with a list of pharmacies in the area ho stock compression hose and a prescription to purchase them. Please investigate all the many options and be certain you can live with your individual fit before you purchase these, as you will be in constant company with your hose for the weeks or months involved in your treatment program. Our patients tell us that it is very helpful to have two pairs of these stockings, but keep in mind that they are expensive. There is one circumstance which allows the stockings to be removed during the first 72 hours. If you have two pairs of support hose you may shower/bathe in one pair, lie down on the bed, elevate both legs above you head for 5 minutes, then remove the wet stocking. Allow a few minutes for your skin to recover and dry. You may apply cream to your legs at this time, followed by applying a second pair of stockings. This process seems to make the wearing of the stockings more tolerable.
Please bring compression chose and shorts to each session.
Some basic thoughts for our to consider in planning the best timing of oyour treatments include:
Sun exposure should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks post-treatment.
Exercise is a requirement for 7 days post-treatments. 30 minutes/day of fast walking, cycling, swimming, low-impact aerobics, etc.
Activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, etc.) should resume immediately after treatment.
Treatment time including assessment, treatment, and formulating a plan will require 30 minutes each visit.
The number of treatments required for each individual is based on their specific problem, and will differ greatly from person to person. The first (intake) visit may take somewhat longer.
The number of injections at each treatment session will be based on the size of the vein as well as the concentration and volume of medicine required to close that particular segment of vein. Some visits will require only a small number of injections to deliver a large volume of sclerosant to a large vein. On the other hand, it may take a great number of injections if the veins are extremely small to deliver the required injections.
These veins will not return once they have been closed with sclerotherapy. However, new veins can always develop, since the background tendency and predisposition remain.
There is very little discomfort involved in administering sclerotherapy. Most people experience some itching and slight burning at the injection site. These symptoms can be compared to mosquito bites in nature and intensity.
Anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Aleve, Nuprin, etc.) may be used after treatment to reduce discomfort and to facilitate healing. Also, some people are more comfortable during the treatment ad do not experience as mush discomfort during treatment if they take anti-inflammatory medications an hour before treatment begins.