Introduction
Sclerotherapy is a procedure to inject a chemical that closes off a vein. This is done to improve the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins and to help relieve aching, swelling, cramping, and pain in the legs. Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged, bulging, and twisted due to a damaged valve that causes blood to pool in the veins. Spider veins are small varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy usually works best for smaller spider and varicose veins. You may need more than one treatment to close a vein all the way. Sclerotherapy is usually performed on the legs, since that is where varicose and spider veins most often occur.
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