Frequently asked questions
Varicose and sclerotherapy
Here are a series of questions most frequently asked, and their specific answers. Please contact us if your question remains unanswered.
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins are veins that no longer perform properly. Blood does not circulate efficiently in varicose veins. This leads to bulging of veins and bursting of spider veins on the surface.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VARICOSITIES?
Heredity is number one. Obesity, old age, working in an upright position and pregnancy are predisposing factors to varicose and spider veins.
WHICH VARICOSE VEINS CAN BE TREATED BY INJECTIONS?
All of them. Large dilated varicose veins are treated by Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy also called Endovenous Chemical Ablation (E.C.A.) Small spider veins are treated by simple saline solution injections : Sclerotherapy. Only about 5% of severe cases of large varicose veins will need surgery (stripping) or laser endovenous treatment (E.V.L.T.).
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED?
Some patients need two or three sessions only, others need fifteen or more; but the average is six to eight sessions to obtain good results. Each session last about 15 minutes.
IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?
Comparable to a mosquito bite or a pin prick.
WHEN ARE THE RESULTS OBVIOUS?
Pain in the legs as well as general appearance of legs improve after three or four sessions. Properly treated varicose veins disappear for good but the hereditary tendency to produce them remains.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SCLEROTHAPY?
Bruises are very frequent during treatment. They disappear after treatment. An allergy to solution is extremely rare. Deep thrombophlebitis have been reported in medical literature.
WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS WHEN UNDERGOING SCLEROTHERAPY?
None. You go on with your normal life-working, shopping, eating, walking, etc., and the treatment can even be administered during a lunch time or a coffee break. Wearing support hose helps the blood flow.
CONTINUING TREATMENT?
Because of the hereditary and ongoing nature varicose vein formation, an annual checkup is recommended. New varicose veins can then be treated. This ensures good control of the disease and beautiful legs forever.