Sclerotherapy Services Near Sterling, AK and Palmer, AK

Sclerotherapy is considered the treatment of choice for certain types of veins because it is minimally invasive and highly effective. During the procedure, a solution — either Sotradecol® or Polidocanol®, which are both FDA-approved, — is injected directly into the vein. The solution irritates the inner lining of the veins being treated, causing them to seal off, turn to scar tissue, and eventually disappear. At times, these medications may be mixed with air to create a “foam” version of the medication. Once this is done, it is considered an “off-label” use.

After your skin is cleaned using an antiseptic solution, a highly trained provider will use a tiny needle to inject a sclerosing solution directly into the vein being treated. You may feel a slight prick – which many patients liken to the feel of an “ant bite” – as well as a mild burning sensation. The solution will then dissolve the vein. 

Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only 30-45 minutes per session.

The vast majority of patients will be able to go about their daily routine immediately following their sclerotherapy treatment. In fact, we encourage our patients to continue with normal activities as healthy circulation will aid in a quick recovery. You will be asked to wear compression garments and/or bandages for a few days or weeks following your procedure.

While it really depends on the area being treated, most patients require between three and five sclerotherapy treatments, done between four and six weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. The same vein may need to be treated more than once. Smaller veins generally respond to treatment in three to six weeks, while larger veins typically respond in three to four months.

Patients with problem veins that measure between 1mm and 5mm in diameter are generally the best candidates for sclerotherapy. Other treatment may be recommended for patients with larger veins.