Sclerotherapy for spider veins defacing the legs

Sclerosing is plugging veins with a liquid (aethoxysclerol). This liquid causes adhesion of the vessel wall. This turns the varicose vein into a string, preventing blood from flowing. The function of the vanished varicose vein is taken over by one of the many other, normal veins nearby.

FOAM sclerotherapy

This treatment is basically the same as sclerotherapy, but before the treatment, the active ingredient (ethoxysclerol) is mixed into foam. This is easily done by mixing air ans ethoxysclerol into the injection needle. This way, the adhesion effect is somewhat stronger. Therefore, this treatment is suitable for larger veins. For broaching the vein we use a duplex machine so that we can aim very precisely for the deeper laying veins and inject them with foam. The foam treatment has the same side effects as the regular sclerotherapy. After treatment, surgical stockings are worn.

Muller procedure

In the Muller technique, veins are hooked through small skin openings with a hook and pulled out. This is done under local anaesthesia. Before the anaesthetic is placed, the doctor marks off exactly where the vein runs. You then lie down on the treatment bed and sterile cloths are placed on your leg. The anaesthetic is placed using a pump. The vein is then removed piece by piece and afterwards the small openings are closed with sutures. In general, you will wear a support stocking for 5-7 days after the procedure and we will then see you for a check-up. After treatment, we will keep you in the clinic for a while for check-ups. Because of the anaesthesia used, we recommend that a person accompany you home. For insurance reasons, you will not be able to drive yourself for the first few hours after the procedure.

EVLT technique (laser)

In the EVLT technique, a large vein, usually on the inside of your leg or at calf level, is closed with a laser catheter. This is done under ultrasound guidance, so that the position of the catheter can be precisely monitored. During this procedure, the vein is marked off in a standing position and you then take your place on the treatment bed. Sterile drapes are placed and the vein is then punctured to insert the catheter. Anaesthetic fluid is also applied around the vein via a pump. The catheter can then be heated via a generator, which burns the vein closed from the inside. The catheter is then removed and a plaster is applied to your leg at the level of the catheter insertion opening. You will wear a support stocking for 1 week. After the treatment, we will keep you in the clinic for a while for monitoring. In view of the anaesthesia used, we recommend that a person accompany you home. For insurance reasons, you will not be able to drive yourself for the first few hours after the procedure.

Compression therapy

Compression therapy involves bandaging around your leg to remove fluid from the leg and allow any wounds to heal better.

Compression therapy often precedes the fitting of an elastic stocking, but can also be a short-term stand-alone treatment.

Surgical stockings

If your leg needs more support, the treatment of choice is elastic stockings, these not only put pressure on the entire skin, but also on the veins that no longer allow blood to flow sufficiently back towards the heart. Wearing compression stockings prevents fluid accumulation in the legs during the day and can often prevent symptoms such as a tired heavy feeling. Cramps will also be less common. Nowadays, stockings are available in fashionable colours and can be easily integrated into everyday fashion. We work closely with bandage specialists, who will fit the most suitable stockings for you.