Sclerotherapy Scottsdale


Vein removal treatments are a unique blend of art and science. The doctors at Infini have several different methods use to treat all types of unwanted veins, from legs to face. Prior to treatment all patients will receive an evaluation of their venous system.

The underlying goal in vein therapy is to treat any underlying large veins first, then to attack smaller “spider” vessels. With any type of treatment, more than one session may be necessary. Each session should be spaced about four weeks apart.

If you are one of the millions of Americans plagued by unsightly enlarged veins and capillaries then Infini’s vein treatments likely will be of benefit to you. Contact us for a free consultation to see if we can help you with this problem! More of your questions are answered in the FAQ below the Before and After Photos.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sclerotherapy Scottsdale

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  • What are the different vein treatment methods used?
    • 1) Sclerotherapy: This is the most traditional method and still the gold standard. Small amounts of detergent solution are injected into veins to disrupt and breakdown the vein wall. The area is then compressed from 2 to 7 days. The compression is very important and usually involves ace wraps and very tight compression stockings.
    • 2) Laser Treatment: Laser energy is applied to the skin overlying the vein which acts to heat up and “melt” the vessel. Laser therapy is generally more painful than sclerotherapy. Dr. Hall usually uses laser to cleanup any remaining isolated spider veins after he has done the majority of vein removal with sclerotherapy.
  • How many treatments are needed?
    • That depends on the severity of your condition. A free consultation is the best way to answer this question.
  • Is the treatment painful?
    • Sclerotherapy is virtually painless when compared to laser vein removal. This is contrary to what most would think, but it is true. Laser treatment does have some short term discomfort while the procedure is performed.

Explanation of therapy for varicose veins

Varicose veins are very thin-walled, dilated veins that have become elongated and tortuous. Those in the skin have a spider web-like appearance and are known by various names, including spider veins, web veins, reticular networks, and venuous stars. Larger veins, placed somewhat more deeply, may appear as bumps or lumpy protrusions under the skin and may or may not appear in clusters or groups quite deep in the skin. These large areas may be quite tender and may cause symptoms of fatigue, aching pain, and heaviness, relieved by leg elevation.

Treatment of varicose veins includes removal of large veins by surgery and obliteration of smaller veins by injection. Injection therapy has been part of the treatment of varicose veins for more than 50 years and though it has been given many new names recently, none of the methods used in injecting varicose veins has changed a great deal over the past 10 years. Therefore, the results of therapy as well as the complications of the treatments are well known.

The principle of the injection is to fill the vein being treated with a solution that will empty the vein of blood and cause the wall to become inflamed. As a result, the walls of the vein will scar together and the vein will become obliterated and will no longer be visible. Because the veins of the lower extremities are under high pressure, there is a tendency for reoccurrence of varicose veins. Either new varicosities may develop or those that have been injected may occur at any time. This requires that an individual understand the need to return to the doctor for rechecks and minor additional treatments on a yearly basis.

Sclerotherapy Scottsdale

Various chemical substances are utilized in injection treatment of varicose veins. Perhaps the most common of these is a detergentcalled sodium tetradecyl. Another is a concentrated salt solution. There are many others; chief among these is polidocanil, which is in the final phases of FDA approval in the United States.

The needles used for injections are extremely small and cause little pain. Pain, if any, lasts a few seconds. Redness produced by the injection is essential to the process of the obliteration of veins. A pressure dressing or graduated support stocking may be applied to the area so that the veins will remain empty of blood. This will relieve itching and congestion in the skin. If an intense inflammatory reaction develops around the vein and in the skin, the skin may break down and ulcerate, Such ulceration will heal under treatment but will leave a scar.

Almost always, multiple treatment sessions are required based on the severity of the venous problem. The usual number is three treatments for each blemish. In each treatment session, nearly all blemishes will be treated each time. This is done to minimize the number of treatments required. Following treatment, you can go about your activities as desired.

It should be understood that sclerotherapy is not a miracle cure. Neither injection therapy nor anything else will return the skin of the lower extremities to the way it was as a teenager. Certainly, most of the objectionable veins can be obliterated, and the legs can be brought to a point where they will appear acceptable under sheer stockings. Nevertheless, small blemishes inevitably remain that are visible to the naked eye. A variety of vascular lasers can then be used to minimize the appearance of these tiny remaining vessels. The process is slow and tedious and requires a great deal of patience on the part of the patient. However, the treatment procedure has proved acceptable to patients as evidenced by the fact that they return for follow-up treatments as necessary.

Please consider this information to be an introduction to the subject. Questions and discussion about treatment of your particular vein problem are welcome.

Sclerotherapy Patient Information Sheet:

Before your appointment:

  • Inform your physician if you are taking birth control pills or estrogen
  • Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. arthritis medication) for 2 days prior to treatment
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages and do not smoke for 2 days before and 2 days after your treatment as this may impair the healing process
  • Before your next appointment, shower and wash your legs thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Do not apply and cream or lotion to your legs
  • To avoid discomfort, do not shave your legs the day of your appointment.
  • Bring loose-fitting shorts or a leotard to wear during your appointment
  • Eat a light meal or snack 1 1/2 hours prior to your appointment
  • If Dr. Hall told you that you need compression hosiery, you need to call Arizona Vascular at (480) 854-1900 and order them. Tell them you need class II thigh highs

After your treatment:

  • Immediately after the procedure, you will be fitted in support stockings and you are required to walk for 15 to 30 minutes. Be sure to have loose-fitting slacks and comfortable walking shoes with you.
  • If traveling over 30 minutes to the office, have someone else drive you so you can move your feet and legs around. This is beneficial following treatment.
  • You will be able to maintain normal activities. Walk at least one hour every day–the more the better! However, avoid standing for long periods of time.
  • Avoid hot baths for 2 weeks. Cool your legs with cold water after each shower.
    Wear support stockings as instructed. Unless told differently, use them 24 hours a day for 5-7days. You must shower with them on. You can use plastic bags and tape to protect them from getting wet.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activities such as high impact aerobics or weight lifting for the first 48 to 72 hours.