Dr. Susan Fox, DO, RPVI, FSVM
Fox Vein & Laser Experts
2 offices
Pembroke Pines
Hollywood
954-965-4922
Varicose veins affect around 40 million people in the United States. Slightly more women than men (55
versus 44 percent) are affected by venous disease. Many have significant symptoms with large varicose
veins, leg swelling, pain, heaviness, skin changes, discolorations and some even have venous ulcerations.
Sclerotherapy has been used to treat veins since the 1600s. It is the gold standard treatment for spider
veins. A tiny needle is used to inject a liquid solution into the tiny vessel. However, foam sclerotherapy or Varithena is used to treat larger varicose veins, the Greater Saphenous Vein and its branches. It is an
FDA approved solution of Asclera1%. The foam is injected under ultrasound guidance into a targeted
vein. Due to the thickness of the solution, it pushes the blood out of the vein and irritates the vein lining for a longer time causing it to scar down and seal shut. The foam can be milked into other veins under ultrasound guidance as needed. It lasts for less than 90 seconds and quickly dilutes down in the body after injection. Most normal activities can be resumed immediately. Only 4% of people describe injection site pain following the injection of Varithena. The procedure requires no numbing medication, leaves no devices or hardware in the body, involves no scarring and is performed in as little as 15 minutes in the office with usually only one to two-needle pokes. After the procedure, the leg is placed in a compression hose or wrapped in compression bandages for a period of time and the patient is encouraged to walk and stay active. This procedure is covered by most medical insurances and has great results.
