For anyone dealing with the unsightly issue of varicose veins, foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment option with a very high success rate. In the following short guide, Jamie Barwell, a consultant vascular surgeon at Southwest Veins in Devon, answers some of the most commonly asked questions about this treatment method, including its effectiveness, the procedure details, the potential risks, and aftercare considerations.
What is foam sclerotherapy treatment?
Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a foam solution directly into the vein, causing it to scar and collapse. This process reroutes blood to healthier veins, leading to the fading or disappearance of the treated vein. The foam solution improves the procedure’s effectiveness by increasing the surface area in contact with the vein’s wall, enhancing the sclerosant’s ability to seal the vein. It’s an outpatient procedure, offering a quick recovery time and minimal discomfort compared to surgical options.
How does it differ to catheter-based techniques?
It differs primarily in its method and target. While foam sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosant foam into veins to cause them to collapse and fade, catheter-based techniques, such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), involve inserting a catheter into the vein and using heat to seal it shut. Catheter-based methods are generally used for larger, deeper veins and require local anaesthesia; foam sclerotherapy is more frequently used for smaller, surface veins and typically involves less discomfort and recovery time.
Are there any risks with foam sclerotherapy treatment?
It’s a very low risk procedure, however, it is not completely free of potential side effects. Any side effects are usually mild and include inflammation, skin discolouration, and minor pain at the injection site. More infrequent complications may involve allergic reactions to the sclerosant, formation of small ulcers at the injection site, or thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation that causes blood clots). Very rarely, there’s a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These are all issues that your consultant will discuss with you in detail, prior to the procedure.
Does the foam stay in the veins?
No. Once injected, the foam causes the targeted veins to collapse and scar, effectively sealing them off. The body then gradually absorbs the foam and the closed vein over time, rerouting the blood through healthier veins. The process of absorption and the disappearance of the treated vein can vary in time depending on the individual and the size of the vein treated.
Am I likely to need more than one procedure?
It’s common for patients to require more than one foam sclerotherapy session to achieve desired results, especially for larger or multiple varicose veins. The number of treatments needed varies based on the size and number of veins being treated, as well as how well your body responds to the procedure. Follow-up treatments, if needed, are typically scheduled several weeks apart to allow time for the veins to respond to the initial treatment and for the body to heal.
Will I need time off work following this treatment?
Most patients do not need to take time off work following foam sclerotherapy and can return to their normal activities almost immediately. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis, and typically involves little to no downtime. Some people might experience minor discomfort or bruising, but these side effects usually don’t interfere with daily activities.
Should I avoid exercise immediately after the treatment?
You can return to your regular activities right away, but it’s important to steer clear of intense exercise to prevent the treated vein from reopening. You should avoid activities that involve heavy lifting, squatting, and vigorous exercises like gym workouts, which include lunges, excessive jumping, kicking, or lifting heavy weights, for at least 7 days after the procedure.
Make sure to walk for at least 30 to 60 minutes daily. Try to avoid sitting for long periods, and keep your legs elevated whenever possible to prevent them from hanging down.
Do I need to avoid consuming any types of food or drink prior to the procedure?
There are no specific dietary restrictions before undergoing foam sclerotherapy. However, it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated and avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine in excess on the day before and the day of the procedure, as they can affect your body’s hydration levels and circulation.
How likely is it that my varicose veins or thread veins will come back?
The likelihood of reappearance after treatment varies among individuals and depends on various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and adherence to aftercare instructions. While foam sclerotherapy is effective at treating existing veins, it does not prevent new varicose or thread veins from forming in the future. Some people may experience recurrence and require additional treatments. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, wearing compression garments when recommended, and managing risk factors like prolonged standing or sitting can help reduce the risk of new varicose or thread veins developing.
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