Foam Sclerotherapy: Why choose this for treating varicose veins?

Foam sclerotherapy is an advanced form of sclerotherapy used to treat larger varicose veins, particularly those that may not respond well to traditional liquid sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a sclerosant solution, which is typically used to irritate and close off veins, is mixed with air to create a foam.

This foam is then injected into the affected varicose vein. The foam displaces blood within the vein, allowing the sclerosant to come into more direct contact with the vein walls, which enhances its effectiveness. The foam’s thicker consistency enables it to stay in the vein longer, providing a more controlled and thorough treatment, particularly for larger or more complex varicose veins.

Foam sclerotherapy is best suited to the smaller veins just below the surface of the skin. Usually, however, varicose veins are caused by diseased vessels deeper in the leg.

Whilst foam sclerotherapy can be used to treat these deeper veins, it is associated with much higher rates of complications, and so to treat the deep veins, we typically perform either Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or VenaSeal™ and reserve foam sclerotherapy for the more minor, superficial veins. For the best results, most patients will require a combination of RFA or VenaSeal™ to treat the deep veins with either foam sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy to treat the smaller, more superficial veins.

The success rate of foam sclerotherapy for treating varicose veins is generally high, with studies showing success rates ranging from 80% to 90%. This means that in the majority of cases, the treated veins successfully close off and are eventually absorbed by the body, leading to a significant reduction in the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins.

However, the success rate can vary depending on factors such as the size and severity of the varicose veins, the patient’s adherence to post-treatment care, such as wearing compression stockings and the patient’s own body’s response to the treatment. While foam sclerotherapy is highly effective, some patients may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and there is a possibility of recurrence over time, which might necessitate additional treatments.

Determining if foam sclerotherapy is the right treatment for your condition involves several factors. First, a thorough evaluation by an expert vascular surgeon is essential.

Your surgeon will first ask you questions about your medical history, family history, and lifestyle before performing a physical examination. They will then use an ultrasound scan to identify the anatomy of your veins. It is only with all of this information available that they can recommend the best course of treatment for your particular case. In our practice, we offer the full range of varicose vein treatments – including conservative measures, endovascular treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or VenaSeal™, as well as – where appropriate – traditional surgery.

Every patient is unique, and our goal is to help match your health needs with the best treatment strategy for your particular condition. The first step is to fill in our online consultation form, and from there, our team will be able to arrange an initial consultation and ultrasound scan, and we can work together to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.