Sclerotherapy: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins by injecting a specialized solution into the affected veins. This treatment causes controlled injury to the vein lining, leading to thrombosis (blood clot formation) and fibrosis (scar tissue formation), eventually causing the veins to collapse and fade over time.
Why Choose Sclerotherapy?
- No incision, no anesthesia, no hospitalization – A simple outpatient procedure.
- Covered by Korean National Health Insurance – Patients with national health insurance can receive financial benefits.
- Effective for small varicose veins and spider veins – Ideal for treating red and blue web-like veins.
- Minimal downtime – Most patients resume daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Procedure Overview
- Pre-Treatment Preparation
- Wear comfortable clothing, such as a skirt or loose pants, for easy access to the treatment area.
- A Doppler ultrasound examination is conducted to check for any underlying venous reflux in deep veins like the femoral and great saphenous veins.
- Treatment Process
- The patient is asked to stand for about 10 to 20 minutes before the procedure, allowing the veins to become more visible.
- Our specialized vascular surgeon maps out the treatment areas.
- A carefully selected concentration of the sclerosing agent is injected into the targeted veins.
- For deeper, non-visible varicose veins, Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy is used to precisely locate the vein and ensure accurate injection placement.
- After injection, the area is compressed using bandages and medical tape.
- Post-Treatment Care
- Wearing compression stockings after treatment is strongly recommended to improve effectiveness.
- Over time, the treated veins harden and are naturally reabsorbed by the body.
- Some patients may experience temporary brown pigmentation along the treated veins due to bruising and minor inflammation, typically fading within six months.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
- The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the condition.
- Typically, 3 to 5 treatments are needed for optimal results.
- It is important to note that varicose veins are prone to recurrence if proper lifestyle management is not maintained.
Expected Costs
- If covered by Korean National Health Insurance, the estimated cost per session is around 100,000 KRW.
- Without insurance coverage, the cost is $150 USD for one leg and $220 USD for both legs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We do not treat veins on the back of the hands or feet. Removing these veins can lead to significant swelling and potential complications in the future.
In rare cases, fat grafting can be used to cover the veins, but this approach has both pros and cons. It requires a thorough consultation to determine if it is a suitable option.
Sclerotherapy works by hardening the treated veins, which then gradually fade as they are absorbed by the body. In some cases, especially when varicose veins are severe, the treated veins may feel firm and string-like under the skin. This can cause a sensation of tightness or stretching. However, this is a normal part of the healing process, and these hardened veins typically soften and disappear within 3 to 6 months.
This pigmentation is a result of bruising, minor hemorrhage, and inflammatory reactions occurring during sclerotherapy. While it generally resolves within a few months, proper UV protection is essential to prevent further discoloration. Additionally, treatments such as laser toning and specialized ointments can help accelerate the fading process and improve overall skin appearance.
In the case of veins on the face, sclerotherapy is generally not recommended due to the risk of adverse effects such as thrombosis. If there is an inevitable vein malformation, surgical removal is advised following an angiographic evaluation. For veins on the hands, the treatment protocol differs, and consultation with our specialist is necessary for proper evaluation and recommendations.
In principle, it is not recommended to remove cosmetic purpose because all veins play important functions in their own bio metrics. In addition, you can not receive Korean National Health Insurance benefits in this case.
If you have a definite diagnosis of varicose veins due to ultrasound, you can benefit from Korean National Health Insurance. However, there is a limit according to the standard of health insurance corporation such as the number of procedures.
In rare cases where deep vein thrombosis is present, not all varicose veins should be treated, including sclerotherapy. Additionally, if there is an underlying issue with the great saphenous vein, recurrence is frequent, and symptom improvement may be limited, in which case surgery is recommended. However, for asymptomatic spider veins, Dr. Francis Jeon at Evita Clinic personally examines and assesses patients through visual inspection and palpation, often determining that an ultrasound is unnecessary.
After the procedure, we wrap your legs with an elastic bandage to provide necessary pressure. While daily activities can be resumed immediately, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for about one week. Additionally, patients can take a shower starting from the next day.
Sclerotherapy is not an operation but a simple injection procedure, similar to an intravenous injection, and does not require anesthesia. Discomfort is minimal, with only a slight needle prick sensation during the procedure. Patients may experience mild stinging or burning for a few seconds during the injection, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
Consultation with a Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon
At Evita Clinic, all sclerotherapy treatments are performed by Dr. Francis Jeon, a board-certified thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon. For online consultations, patients may attach photos of their varicose veins, but for privacy reasons, selecting the ‘Secret’ option is advised.