Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure that treats and reduces the appearance of spider veins. Spider veins most often appear on thighs, calves, and ankles.
Spider veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes the target veins to immediately shrink and then dissolve and fade from view as the body naturally re-absorbs the treated veins. This procedure may also remedy the aching, burning, and swelling associated with spider veins.
Asclera®
At Levy Dermatology, Asclera is used to achieve optimal results.
What Is Asclera®?
Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription medicine that is used in a procedure called sclerotherapy and is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins:
- Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter)
- Uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) known as reticular veins
How Does Asclera® Work?
Asclera® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets to attach to the lining of the vessels; eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.
Patient Satisfaction
- On average, 86% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their Asclera® treatment
- Patients were significantly more satisfied with Asclera® than with either sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) or placebo (p<0.0001).
What should I avoid after receiving an Asclera® Injection?
For two to three days following the treatment, avoid (if you are uncertain, please ask Dr. Levy)
- Heavy exercise
- Sunbathing
- Long plane flights
- Hot bath or sauna
Are there any possible side effects to Asclera® treatments?
Yes, they may include:
- Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes (> 3 mL). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized.
- In rare cases, formation of small "burns" or ulcers form, usually due to leakage of Asclera® into the skin. They heal in time, but may leave a scar.
- Inadvertent perivascular injection of Asclera® can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without adrenaline) may be injected.
You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including:
- Prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products
You should not be treated with Asclera® if you:
- Have a known allergy to polidocanol
- Have an acute vein or blood clotting (thromboembolic) disease
- Are pregnant or nursing
How long is each Asclera® session?
A typical sclerotherapy session lasts 15 to 45 minutes. One injection is usually administered per inch with multiple injections per session. Following treatment compression stockings or support hose should be worn continuously for 2-3 days and for 2-3 weeks during the day time.
Before and After Photos
Uncomplicated reticular veins treatment* 1 to 3 mm
*Individual results may vary depending on varicose vein severity, disease progression, skin tone, and number of treatments
Photos: patients from EASI study