Reticular veins, also be known as feeder veins, are the blue and green veins beneath the surface of the skin. Reticular veins enlarge because of increased pressure in the vein. You may have reticular veins alone but you may also have spider veins at the same time.
Varicose veins are large blue or dark purple veins. They protrude from the skins surface and many times have a cord-like appearance and may twist or bulge under the skin. Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure administered to treat uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated reticular veins. The treatment involves Dr. Thomas injecting the Asclera solution with a small needle directly into the affected veins. The number of injections you receive will depend on the number of spider or varicose veins being treated. Asclera must be injected slowly into the vein. Dr. Thomas will apply slight pressure to the vein during an injection. After the needle is removed from the vein, a compression bandage will be placed on the area to prevent blood clots from forming. When your treatment session is finished, Dr. Thomas will want you to walk around for 15 or 20 minutes and he will also want you to wear compression stockings. He may also instruct you to take daily walks for a few days after your treatment with Asclera. You may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks after your treatment with Asclera. Carefully follow Dr. Thomas’s instructions about caring for yourself after receiving this medication.
You may also need additional treatment sessions with Asclera to best treat the veins. It is recommended that at least 1 week should pass between treatment sessions.
Patients should avoid heavy or strenuous exercise for 2 or 3 days after treatment. We also recommend to avoid sitting for long periods of time, such as long-distance travel in a car or on an airplane. Lastly, patients should also avoid exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, hot tubs, or saunas for 2 or 3 days after your treatment. We also recommend that you do not use ice or a heating pad on your treated leg without the doctor’s advice.
*You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products.
Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions have been reported following polidocanol use, including anaphylactic reactions, some of them fatal. Severe reactions are most frequent with use of larger volumes (> 3 mL). The dose of polidocanol should therefore be minimized.Please notify your healthcare provider if you have a known history of severe allergies or allergy to polidocanol.
Accidental injection into an artery can cause severe necrosis, ischemia or gangrene. If this occurs, consult your healthcare provider or a vascular surgeon immediately.
Unintentional injection of Asclera® outside of the vein can cause pain. If pain is severe, a local anesthetic (without adrenaline) may be injected by your healthcare provider.
Severe adverse local effects, including tissue necrosis, may occur following flow of the product outside of the vein; therefore, the smallest effective volume at each injection site should be used.
After the injection session is completed, apply compression with a stocking or bandage, and walk for 15- 20 minutes. Your healthcare provider will provide monitoring during this period to treat any possible anaphylactic or allergic reactions.