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Other Procedures

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy uses an injection of a special chemical (sclerosant) into a varicose vein to damage and scar the inside lining of the vein. This causes the vein to close.

During this procedure, the affected leg is elevated to drain blood and the sclerosant is injected into the varicose vein. The procedure is done in a doctor’s office or clinic and takes 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how many varicose veins are treated and how big they are.

After the injection of sclerosant is given, pressure is applied over the veins to prevent blood return when you stand up. You may need to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks to maintain the pressure.

The sclerotherapy injection may be painful, and the chemical (sclerosant) that is injected can cause a feeling of burning or cramping for a few minutes in the area where the shot was given. You may need repeated sessions and many injections each session, depending on the extent of the varicose veins and type of sclerosant used.

What To Expect After Treatment

Sclerotherapy generally does not require any recovery period. You will likely be able to walk immediately after the treatment, but you should take it easy for a day or two. Bed rest is not recommended, but you may need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days after sclerotherapy.

Avoid exposing your legs to the sun for the first 2 weeks after the procedure.

You will probably have to wear compression stockings for a short time after having sclerotherapy.

Why It Is Done

Sclerotherapy is used to treat:

  • Spider veins and small veins that are not causing more serious problems.
  • Smaller varicose veins that come back after vein-stripping surgery.
  • Larger varicose veins, when minimally invasive techniques are used.

Sclerotherapy may be done alone or as a follow-up to surgery.

How Well It Works

Sclerotherapy costs less than surgery, requires no hospital stay, and allows a quicker return to work and normal activities.

Sclerotherapy can reduce symptoms and improve the look of the skin. It works in about 80 out of 100 people. It doesn’t work for about 20 out of 100 people who have the procedure

Revision of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are nails which curve downwards, usually at the sides growing into the soft tissue. The condition usually affects the big toe.

Symptoms include pain and inflammation. Infection may occur when there is a break in the skin allowing bacteria to enter. Clear fluid, pus and blood may be present.

Ingrown toenails usually result from improper nail trimming, ill-fitting shoes, trauma, nail infections or poor foot hygiene.

If symptoms are persistent, an ingrown toenail should be examined by a doctor as there may be infection. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes or any other significant medical history. Your doctor will determine appropriate treatment based on the history and examination.

Pain medication and warm salt water soaks may be recommended to relieve pain and inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed in cases of infection. In mild cases, the offending nail border and skin may be separated by cotton, floss or a splint to allow the skin to heal and the nail to grow beyond the skin edge.

Minor surgery may be performed for severe or recurrent ingrown toenails. The procedure is carried out in the office under local anaesthesia. A part or all of the nail on the affected side is removed. The nail bed may be treated by a chemical agent or laser to prevent regrowth. A light bandage is placed over the wound. There is minimal discomfort following the procedure and you can resume your regular activities within a day.

  • The University Of Sydney
  • Royal Australasian College Of Surgeons
  • Royal College Of Physicians Surgeons Of Glasgow
  • AMA Queensland
  • General Surgeons Australia
  • International Society of Surgery
  • St Vincents Health Australia
  • Ramsay Health Care
  • American Board of Independent Medical Examiners