Foam or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure used to treat varicose veins and other problems caused by venous insufficiency. It treats residual, non-bulging varicose veins following radiofrequency ablation.

In foam sclerotherapy, a specific foam sclerosant is injected into the varicose veins, as opposed to the liquid sclerosant used in traditional sclerotherapy. Modern foam sclerotherapy, which has revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins, is effective for all kinds of varicose veins.  It is even more effective than treatment with a liquid sclerosant and is therefore used for large varicose veins in particular.

Foam sclerotherapy is a non-invasive procedure that does not need any cuts or anesthesia and may be done as an outpatient treatment.   Upon completion of treatment, you are free to promptly resume your employment and maintain your usual schedule.

Advantages of foam sclerotherapy

• Painless
• No general or local anaesthesia is required
• Can be carried out on an outpatient basis
• No incisions necessary, no resultant scars
• Numerous clinical studies are available
• Used for all types of varicose veins
• Ideal for overweight or elderly people.
• Patients may return to work and regular activities quickly.

Disadvantages of foam sclerotherapy

• Several treatment sessions may be necessary to obliterate large varicose veins permanently
• It may take several weeks for the body to break down and resorb the varicose vein
• Allergies to the sclerosant and systemic reactions are possible, but only in rare cases

How Foam Sclerotherapy works?

Foam sclerotherapy is an effective method for cosmetically treating varicose veins and reticular veins that are visible without the use of any instruments.   If you have already had treatment for vein illness and it continues to recur, foam sclerotherapy might be a very suitable choice due to its efficacy and safety.

In prepping for the treatment, any veins we find deep below the skin require ultrasound guidance. Foam is made by mixing the same liquid sclerosant that is used for sclerotherapy with air to form “micro-soap” bubbles. When the foam is injected into a vein the air pushes the blood out of the vein so it does not clot. The air is HARMLESS to you. The active part of the chemical sclerosant binds to the inner lining of the vein causing to seal and scar. The vein will usually disappear over the course of six weeks. A second treatment may be necessary if the vein does not seal after the first treatment. After treatment, you must wear a compression stocking and avoid strenuous exercise for three days following the procedure. You should resume walking immediately after the treatment, but only walking, as this movement helps with the recovery process.

Side effects from the procedure

• Bruising of the skin
• Allergic reaction
• Darkening of the skin
• Extremely rare cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• A migraine history may cause a headache.
• Rarely temporary visual disturbances may occur

Foam Sclerotherapy Alternative Treatments

• Surgery requiring general anesthesia
• Compression socks may reduce varicose vein symptoms but not eradicate them
• Radio frequency ablation or laser treatment may treat veins under local or general anesthesia

Recovery from foam sclerotherapy

Immediately after the injection, our Healthcare Team will apply a pressure bandage to your leg. This is to ensure the walls of the vein are held together and prevents blood from seeping back into the vein. You will need to keep any pressure bandages in place for 12-24 hours following your procedure. You will also need to wear compression stockings for 3-4 weeks.

The Foam Sclerotherapy results are generally excellent. It does require some time for the healing process as the large veins tend to take a longer time to disappear than the smaller spider veins. There will be a period of bruising and some redness before the veins begin to fade away.

Your leg may be sore for a few days following foam sclerotherapy. You should remain mobile during your recovery – walking each day. During the following four to six weeks, it is advisable to refrain from extended periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, squatting, bending, or engaging in strenuous physical exercise.   Elevate one leg while sitting for a prolonged duration.

Foam sclerotherapy near me

EliteVs offers expert vein treatment services, including Foam sclerotherapy. Contact us at +19739754447 to schedule a consultation with our experienced vein doctor. Visit our EliteVS Vein clinic in Clifton, NJ for personalized care and treatment options tailored to your medical history and needs.