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In addition to the information explained in the first consultation, some questions may remain unanswered. For this reason, we have prepared a series of frequently asked questions to help you better understand what some of our treatments consist of.
*You can ask any questions you may have during your consultation with the doctor. We always try to give you as much information as possible and help you to decide on treatment.
Treatment that involves injecting a drug into a vein to cause it to become irritated internally and eventually disappear completely or greatly reduce in size.
Sclerotherapy is applicable to any vein in the legs. However, in certain situations, it is more advisable to perform the treatment with some type of catheter (e.g. a laser catheter) or another type of sclerotherapy (cryosclerosis).
In order to inject the drug into the vein, it is necessary to use very fine, almost painless needles. Sometimes a single puncture is made, but most of the time several or multiple punctures are necessary.
No special preparation is necessary prior to the test. We always recommend wearing compression stockings after the treatment and walking around for a while before sitting in the car to drive.
It is performed in the same clinic without the need for anaesthesia.
Yes, it is possible and does not particularly increase the risk of bleeding. The doctor should be aware of this.
The treatment is not painful. Of course, not everyone can withstand pain in the same way, but our experience tells us that it is a very well tolerated test.
It is rare for the entire treatment to be carried out in a single day. Usually several sessions are necessary to monitor the evolution and response of the treated segments.
The ideal or expected result is not always achieved.
Favourable results can be seen from the first treatment session, although it is normal to need several treatment sessions and check-ups, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart.
The risks are quite low and it is a safe technique. However, like any medication, it is not without side effects or complications. For example, the following can occur:
Venous thrombosis of superficial veins, muscular or even deep veins. Migraines, coughing, breathing difficulties. Pigmentation and matting of the treated area.
It is important to tell your doctor about all your medical history and the treatments you are taking. Some of these complications may occur more frequently in people with blood clotting problems (thicker than usual) or heart problems (sometimes unknown).
In case of extravasation, swelling of the skin or even skin ulceration may occur in case of intra-arterial injection.
Information on
In addition to the information explained in the first consultation, some questions may remain unanswered. For this reason, we have prepared a series of frequently asked questions to help you better understand what this treatment consists of.
Endovascular laser is used in cases where great saphenous vein insufficiency is detected. Less frequently, it is also used in cases of lesser saphenous vein insufficiency. Local anaesthesia is applied at the catheter insertion point and around the saphenous vein prior to ablation. Most often, people are more afraid and nervous than the discomfort of the "pinpricks" of the anaesthesia (discomfort varies from person to person).
- Do not eat a large meal for 4 hours prior to the procedure.
-We recommend that you do not drive the vehicle after the operation as the anaesthetic may leave your leg somewhat numb. It is therefore advisable to be accompanied.
- In very nervous patients or those taking anxiolytic medication, it is recommended to take it two hours before.
- Bring thigh-high, class 2 compression stockings to wear at the end of the procedure.
It is performed in the same AVENCE clinic.
Yes, anticoagulants do not contraindicate treatment. Even after the test and the following day we administer a dose of subcutaneous heparin.
It is usually painless and generally a well-tolerated procedure. Only the pinpricks from the local anaesthetic are bothersome, with the intensity varying from person to person.
Usually ONLY ONCE. After the operation, treatment with sclerotherapy is completed at check-ups.
Treatment efficacy is around 95% up to five years after treatment.
From the first session, a reduction in the size of the varicose vein can already be observed (it decreases in size as we have closed the "main pipe" that was filling it). However, it is rarely the only treatment, as it is accompanied by foam sclerosis of the smaller varicose veins.
It is common to feel discomfort in the inner thigh area (or in the calf, depending on whether it is the greater or lesser saphenous vein that is being treated), such as pulling or mild pain. It subsides after a month in most cases and with the usual painkillers.
Although it is a very safe technique, complications may arise. The most frequent are: the existence of a thrombus inside the femoral vein, which can lead to anticoagulant treatment (heparin pricked in the "belly"), injury to the saphenous nerve with a feeling of numbness in the leg and foot or skin burn (very rare).
*You can ask any questions you may have during your consultation with the doctor. We always try to give you as much information as possible and help you to decide on treatment.
It is a special type of sclerotherapy in which a substance called chrome glycerine is injected into a very small vein and cooled in a device with carbonic snow, reaching temperatures of -40º.
Chromed glycerine is a weak, mild and not very powerful sclerosant, but by injecting it at a very low temperature we increase its sclerosing power while respecting its quality of being a mild sclerosant, with less risk of causing matting and pigmentation.
Only if allergic to the product and if you have renal insufficiency, please inform your treating physician for suitability.
No special care is required.
The duration of a session is about 45 minutes. During the 45 minutes as many veins as possible are punctured, because the treatment technique is different from other sclerosants.
The needles used are very fine-gauge and do not usually bother the patient. Sometimes the injection stings a little at first. In this case, please inform the treating doctor so that the sensation can be soothed.
It is very rare to need only one session. The number of sessions is variable for each patient, depending on the response. It is very important not to rush to avoid complications.
To perform punctures again on a given area, at least three weeks should be allowed to allow for a proper evaluation of the results of the previous session.
The most frequent are benign and local complications such as matting and hyperpigmentation. Although less frequent than with other sclerosants, they sometimes occur.
We recommend wearing compression stockings, class 2 for 5-7 days. If you can wear them longer, even better.
No strenuous exercise for 3-5 days.
Walking and gentle exercise are recommended.
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*You can ask any questions you may have during your consultation with the doctor. We always try to provide as much information as possible and to help you decide on treatment.
