What is the Foam Sclerotherapy Procedure?

Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique for men and women to eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a foam sclerosant in a blood vessel to close it. The blood reroutes itself through healthy veins, restoring more normal blood flow. Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. Medically necessary procedures are generally covered by insurance; foam sclerotherapy may be covered by insurance unless it is considered cosmetic.

What is the foam sclerotherapy procedure?

The foam sclerotherapy procedure is performed in our office in a session lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Small amounts of a sclerosing (ablating or sealing) agent are injected using a tiny needle inserted into the vein. The number of sessions depends on the number of veins to be treated. Generally, more than one session is required.

During this procedure, air is mixed with the sclerosing agent. Polidocanol (Asclera®) or sodium tetradecyl sulfate, known as “STS” (Sotradecol®), is used. The solution has the consistency of shaving cream; it is visible via ultrasound and can be easily tracked and guided to the source of the problematic vein. The sclerosing foam becomes less diluted than liquid when injected into the vein, allowing the solution to come into contact with the entire vein wall. As a result, less solution can be used to achieve an optimal result. The medicine causes the problematic vein to shrink up, or “sclerose.”

When the problematic veins close, the blood is able to be rerouted to other, healthier veins.

Foam sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive technique for men and women to eliminate unsightly varicose veins and spider veins.

Learn more here to see if foam sclerotherapy is right for you.