WHAT IS INJECTED?

Some sclerosants I use are Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate and saline. Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate is FDA approved for sclerotherapy and is very effective and painless.

There is a small chance of having an allergy to Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate especially in people who have a history of asthma. Saline on the other hand does cause a burning or cramping sensation when injected which some people find very uncomfortable.

Hypertonic saline is note FDA approved for sclerotherapy. It has been used in Europe, Canada, and the USA for years with good results and minimal side effects. It you have a history of asthma it may be necessary to use saline. Polidocanol is also very effective and painless with less risk for allergic reactions than sodium tetradecyl sulfate. It is the preferred solution used in most European countries and Canada. Polidocanol is under consideration for FDA approval in the United States.

HOW MANY INJECTIONS PER TREATMENTS ARE DONE?

The number of injections per treatment vary with the stage of treatment. At first it is best to make a limited number of injections to determine your response to the medication and treat the major leaky points first. Later the number of injections is limited only by the maximum acceptable amount of the medication that can be used at any one session, or the allotted time has passed.

We schedule 20 minute treatments so it is very important to arrive on time so we can start at the time of your appointment.