Foam Sclerotherapy: Pros and cons

Varicose and spider veins are common vascular issues encountered by millions worldwide. Beyond their cosmetic appearance, these veins can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as aching, swelling, itching, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Fortunately, advancements in vascular medicine offer effective, minimally invasive treatments. Among the most popular and versatile is sclerotherapy, with its enhanced form, foam sclerotherapy, which has gained significant recognition.

Dr Ashok Gupta specialises in providing state-of-the-art solutions for venous conditions. He is committed to providing his patients with thorough information so they can make well-informed health decisions.

This post provides an overview of foam sclerotherapy’s benefits and potential drawbacks, as well as what to expect during recovery and its safety profile, helping you make an informed decision about your vein care.

What is foam sclerotherapy?

Foam sclerotherapy is a more advanced technique compared to standard liquid sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a specialised sclerosant solution (a chemical irritant) is mixed with air to create a foam. This foam is then injected directly into the problematic vein.

The foam has several advantages over its liquid counterpart: It displaces blood more effectively, provides better visibility under ultrasound, and has a larger surface area, allowing for more effective contact with the vein walls.

This causes the vein to scar, close off, and eventually fade. The body then reroutes blood through healthier veins.

Pros and cons: Foam Sclerotherapy

The pros of foam sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy offers numerous advantages that make it a highly desirable treatment option for various venous conditions:

High efficacy, even for larger veins: One of the most significant advantages is its effectiveness. The foam consistency allows the sclerosant to better adhere to the vein walls, even in larger, tortuous (twisty) varicose veins that might be challenging for liquid sclerosants to treat. This increased contact time and surface area often lead to more successful vein closure.
Minimally invasive: Foam sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure unlike surgical vein stripping. It involves only injections, meaning no incisions, stitches, or general anaesthesia are required. This leads to decreased discomfort, limited scarring, and a significantly lower chance of surgical complications.
No downtime & quick recovery: The foam sclerotherapy recovery time is speedy. Walking is encouraged immediately after the procedure, with most patients returning to daily routines the same day. There is typically no need for hospitalisation or a lengthy recovery period.
Excellent cosmetic results: By effectively closing diseased veins, foam sclerotherapy significantly improves the appearance of varicose and spider veins, leading to smoother, clearer skin.
Relief from symptoms: More than just a cosmetic fix, this procedure effectively reduces symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, and swelling, offering meaningful relief and improved quality of life.
Ultrasound guidance: Foam sclerotherapy is typically performed under ultrasound guidance, allowing the specialist to precisely visualise the vein and ensure accurate injection, enhancing safety and effectiveness, especially for deeper or less visible veins.
Outpatient procedure: The treatment is performed in the clinic setting, usually taking less than an hour, allowing patients to return home the same day.

The cons of foam sclerotherapy

While highly beneficial, it’s also important to be aware of the potential cons of foam sclerotherapy and manage expectations:

Temporary side effects: Patients may experience foam sclerotherapy side effects post-procedure, usually temporary. These foam sclerotherapy side effects include:
>> Bruising
>> Swelling
>> Tenderness/Pain
>> Skin discolouration (Hyperpigmentation)
>> Lumpiness/Hardness
Allergic reactions: Though rare, an allergic reaction to the sclerosant solution is possible. Dr Ashok Gupta takes all necessary precautions and is equipped to manage such events.
Temporary visual disturbances or headaches: Some patients report transient visual disturbances, dizziness, or headaches immediately after the procedure, which typically resolve within minutes or hours.
Multiple sessions may be needed: Additional sessions may be necessary, depending on the number, size, and complexity of the veins, to achieve the best possible outcome.
Recurrence: No vein treatment guarantees 100 % permanent results, and there's always a slight chance of new varicose veins forming over time, even in treated areas.

Foam sclerotherapy recovery time and post-procedure care

The recovery time for foam sclerotherapy is generally minimal. After the procedure, compression stockings are usually applied. They should be worn for a period, Dr Ashok Gupta vascular surgeon recommends (typically several days to a few weeks) to help compress the treated veins, reduce swelling, and promote healing.

Sclerotherapy after 1 week: At this point, bruising and tenderness may still be present, and the treated veins might feel firm or lumpy. You should be able to resume most normal activities, but strenuous exercise is usually still limited.

What to avoid after sclerotherapy?

Refrain from using hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs for a minimum of one week post-treatment.
Avoid intense physical activity or heavy lifting for 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.
Limit sun exposure on treated areas to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Do not remove the compression stockings unless advised by your doctor.
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting without breaks. Regular walking is encouraged.

Make your first move toward freedom from leg pain and discomfort.

Don’t let varicose or spider veins affect your comfort or confidence. Relief is within reach with advanced, minimally invasive treatments like foam sclerotherapy.

Trust the expertise of Dr Ashok Gupta and book your personalised consultation today to discover the best treatment plan for your vein health.

FAQ'S

What are the disadvantages of foam sclerotherapy?

The main disadvantages include potential temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, tenderness, and temporary or rarely permanent skin discolouration (hyperpigmentation).

Less common side effects include temporary visual disturbances or headaches. Achieving the desired results may involve multiple treatment sessions.

How effective is foam sclerotherapy?

Foam sclerotherapy is highly effective, especially for medium to large varicose veins.

Can foam sclerotherapy cause blood clots?

Foam sclerotherapy intentionally causes a controlled clot within the treated vein to seal it off. While the risk of a DVT (Deep vein thrombosis) in a healthy, deep vein is very low, any procedure involving veins carries a minute risk.

An experienced specialist performing the procedure correctly, combined with post-procedure activity and compression, significantly minimises this risk.

Is foam sclerotherapy better than laser?

Foam sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) are highly effective treatments for varicose veins. Neither is definitively “better” for all cases; the optimal choice depends on the size, location, type of veins, patient preference, and the specialist’s expertise.

Foam sclerotherapy is often preferred for tortuous veins or those unsuitable for laser due to their superficiality or size. EVLA is very effective for larger, straighter central trunk veins. Your vein specialist will recommend the best option for your specific condition.

How much does foam sclerotherapy cost?

The cost depends on factors such as the clinic, the number of veins being treated, and the number of sessions needed. During your first consultation, Dr Ashok Gupta will explain the pricing details and any available offers.