Foam sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and other vein–related diseases. It involves the injection of a foam–like substance into the affected veins to cause them to harden and eventually shrink. This procedure is often used to reduce the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins and can also help to prevent the formation of new varicose veins.
The foam used for foam sclerotherapy is a mixture of a sclerosing agent and air or a gas like carbon dioxide. The sclerosing agent causes the walls of the affected vein to collapse and seal shut, preventing blood from flowing through it. This causes the vein to harden and eventually shrink. The foam is injected into the affected veins using a very thin needle, and the procedure is usually performed in a doctor‘s office or clinic.
Foam sclerotherapy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins, and it can usually be performed without the need for anesthesia. However, it is important to note that the procedure can occasionally cause side effects such as bruising, swelling, and discoloration of the skin.