Image Enhancement Center

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a method for the treatment of superficial telangiectasias or “spider veins” and small varicose veins. It involves the injection of a solution into the vein with a very small needle.

What are Varicose Veins?

Abnormally dilated veins whose one-way valves become incompetent allowing blood to flow backwards--away from the heart.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

They are very common, affecting approximately 50 percent of the population, primarily women. The exact cause is unknown but there are a number of risk factors that include: heredity, pregnancy, menopause, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, estrogens, birth control pills, tight girdles, trauma and aging.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

The solution that is injected into the vein irritates the lining of the blood vessel causing an inflammatory reaction which leads to sclerosis, or the formation of a fibrous cord within the vessel. This results in a gradual fading of the vessel over a few weeks to a few months.

What are the Side Effects?

1. There may be some stinging or burning at the site of the injection depending on the type and concentration of solution used.
2. Ten to thirty percent develop an area of increased pigmentation around the injected vessel. In 80 percent of these cases, this will disappear within six months. In 20 percent this will usually disappear within a year.
3. Sometimes a small clot will develop at the injection site. It is best to have this clot removed to speed up the healing process and decrease the incidence of pigmentation.
4. A small superficial ulcer of the skin may occur over the vessel. It usually will not leave a scar.
5. In less than two in 1,000 patients, a superficial thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the vein, may occur.
6. Less than 10 percent develop matting, which is the enlargement of tiny blood vessels giving the skin a pinkish-blue blush. This usually resolves in four to six months.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy, nursing mothers
• Bedridden patients
• Severe circulatory problems
• Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
• Morbid Obesity (BMI>40)
• History of Deep Venous Thrombosis
• Hypercoaguable States
• History of an allergic reaction to sclerosing solution
• Infectious Disease
• Connective Tissue Disease

Dr. Stacy Weeks and her staff at the Image Enhancement Center, located at 3520 S.W. Sixth Ave., are ready to help you feel more comfortable.

Dr. Weeks is board certified in Bariatric Medicine – the treatment and prevention of obesity and management of weight loss.

She also provides other aesthetic services such as Microdermabrasion, for which she has attended aesthetic workshops and received advanced training in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Weeks continues her commitment to education to ensure success for her patients.

The Image Enhancement Center is set up with you in mind. Convenient location. Comfortable environment. Staffed by a pleasant team of knowledgeable professionals – all to help you look your best. For information on the services and treatments provided by Dr. Weeks, call the Image Enhancement Center
at (785) 354-9591.

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