Sclerotherapy is a varicose vein treatment that involves the injection of a liquid directly into abnormal veins using a small needle.

The liquid causes damage to the wall of the vein and eventual closure of the vein. Sclerotherapy typically works best for small veins (less than 5mm. in diameter). This technique is used for veins that are visible at the surface of the skin. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy can be used for treatment of deeper veins which are not directly visible.

After sclerotherapy, patients are kept in a compression stocking to assure that the treated vein is sealed. The visible veins then disappear over time. Sclerotherapy is often associated with brown discoloration of the vein. This skin discoloration may last for up to one year. Sclerotherapy usually requires multiple treatments. Sclerotherapy may cause redness and burning at the injection site. This typically passes quickly. Rare complications such as skin ulceration and allergic reactions may occur.