# Sclerotherapy with microfoam

> Treatment that involves injecting an irritant medication (polidocanol, usually as microfoam) into the spider vein to cause it to close, followed by external compression with a compression stocking.

**URL:** https://clinicadrmolina.es/en/the-whole-truth-about-sclerotherapy/

- **Where it is applied:** Spider veins (reticular veins) on the skin of the legs
- **Prior preparation:** Prior assessment with venous Duplex ultrasound to rule out associated venous insufficiency or varicose veins that should be treated first.
- **How it is performed:** An irritant medication (polidocanol microfoam) is injected into the spider vein to cause controlled damage to its inner lining; external compression with a compression stocking is then applied for around 3 weeks.
- **Follow-up:** Review at 6-8 weeks, once results can already be assessed, to decide whether a touch-up session is needed.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does sclerotherapy always remove spider veins?

A specific cosmetic result cannot be guaranteed. In most cases it clearly improves the treated reticular veins, but several sessions may be needed and the response varies between patients.

### Do spider veins hurt or cause leg heaviness?

They do not cause pain, heaviness, or swelling by themselves. If there are symptoms in the leg, another cause should be looked for, especially true venous insufficiency.

### Why is Duplex Ultrasound important before treatment?

Because it allows associated venous insufficiency and varicose veins to be ruled out or detected. If varicose veins are present, they must be assessed and treated before closing spider veins. It also makes it possible to detect potential situations that would make sclerotherapy ineffective, more likely to cause adverse effects, or even dangerous.

### When are the results of sclerotherapy visible?

Results are not immediate. They usually start to be assessed from 4-6 weeks onwards, and the review is usually performed at 6-8 weeks.

### Can post-sclerotherapy pigmentation be prevented?

The risk can be reduced by avoiding the sun, planning the timing of treatment carefully, and using the compression stocking correctly, but it cannot be prevented 100%.


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**About the clinic: Dr. Jorge Molina – Clínica de varices en Valencia**

Hospital LA SALUD, Consultas Externas, Planta 2ª, Consultas 211-212. Calle Dr. Manuel Candela, 41, 46021 Valencia, España.

- Phone / WhatsApp: +34 641 630 466
- Book an appointment online: https://clinicadrmolina.es/en/online-booking/