Medically Reviewed by Dr Stephen Goode, MBChB, MRCS (Eng), FRCR, PhD
What is foam sclerotherapy?
Foam sclerotherapy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins and thread veins (spider veins). It involves injecting a foam solution into the affected veins, which causes them to collapse and be absorbed by the body over time. The foam solution contains a sclerosant, typically a detergent-based chemical, which irritates the vein walls, prompting them to close up and stop blood flow through that vein.
Foam sclerotherapy is used in addition to EVLA in the vast majority of cases.
Is Foam Sclerotherapy Safe?
When performed by a consultant vein specialist using direct ultrasound guidance foam sclerotherapy is a very safe procedure with a high success rate. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of:
Common Side Effects:
- Bruising or swelling around the treated area
- Skin irritation or redness
- Mild discomfort during the injection
- Dark spots or pigmentation changes, which usually fade over time
Potential Risks (Rare):
- Blood clot
- Allergic reactions to the sclerosant
- Skin ulceration in rare cases
- Nerve damage, though it is extremely uncommon
What are the advantages of foam sclerotherapy?
- Minimally invasive: Foam sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis with no need for general anesthesia or significant downtime. No surgery is required
- High success rate: Most patients experience a significant improvement in the appearance and symptoms of their veins with long-lasting effects in most cases
- Quick recovery: Most people return to daily activities soon after treatment
- Effective for larger veins: The foam allows better contact with the vein walls, making it suitable for larger varicose veins compared to traditional liquid sclerotherapy
What is in foam sclerotherapy?
Foam sclerotherapy uses a sclerosant solution that is mixed with air or gas to create a foam. The sclerosant is typically a detergent-based chemical that causes irritation to the inner lining of the vein, leading it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body.
Common Sclerosant Ingredients in Foam Sclerotherapy:
1. Polidocanol:
This is one of the most common sclerosants used in foam sclerotherapy. It is a detergent-like substance that works by causing the vein to collapse and close off, preventing blood flow through the treated vein.
2. Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (STS):
Another popular sclerosant, STS is a chemical that causes irritation and inflammation in the vein walls, leading to the vein’s closure. It is also effective for treating both varicose and spider veins.
3. Air or Gas:
In foam sclerotherapy, the sclerosant solution is mixed with air (or sometimes carbon dioxide or nitrogen) to create a foam. The foam expands inside the vein and allows better contact with the vein walls, making it effective for treating larger veins compared to liquid sclerotherapy.
How does foam sclerotherapy actually work?
1. The sclerosant solution is injected into the vein, where it irritates the vein walls.
2. The foam expands and fills the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut.
3. Over time, the body absorbs the collapsed vein, and blood flow is redirected to healthier veins.
4. The combination of a sclerosant and foam allows for more effective treatment of larger veins, especially those that would be difficult to treat with liquid alone.
What is skin staining?
Skin staining after foam sclerotherapy refers to darkened skin or pigmentation changes that can occur at the site of the injection. This is a relatively common side effect, though it is usually temporary and tends to resolve over time.
How long can skin staining last?
Temporary: In most cases, the staining fades over weeks to months as the skin heals and the blood is reabsorbed.
Duration: For some individuals, it can take several months for the skin to return to its normal colour, but it will typically improve gradually. There is no guarantee that the skin staining will go completely.
How can I treat skin staining?
Compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings as recommended after the procedure helps reduce the risk of staining by promoting proper circulation and reducing the chances of leakage.
Post-treatment care: Following the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor, such as avoiding direct sunlight and limiting heavy physical activities right after the procedure, can help prevent excessive skin irritation.
Use arnica skin gel - arnica gel can help to alleviate bruising after vein treatments. In rare cases, skin staining can persist longer or be permanent, but this is very uncommon.
📞 Call us today at Nottingham 0115 897 6696 or London 0203 500 4604 or Schedule a Consultation Online to take the first step toward a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins and thread veins (spider veins).
