Health Education

Foam Sclerotherapy

  1. What causes varicose veins?
  2. How is foam sclerotherapy performed?
  3. What are the advantages of Foam Sclerotherapy?

1. What causes varicose veins?

Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. A very fine needle is used to inject medicine directly into the bad veins, which can seal off the bad veins and block the venous reflux. If necessary, ultrasound is used to ensure accurate positioning of the needle.

During this treatment, the medication (sclerosant) is mixed with air to form a suspension of micro-bubbles. The resulting foam is injected into the affected vein either directly or under ultrasound guidance. Because foam has a greater surface area than liquid, it is able to stick to the vein walls more effectively and cause faster ‘shrinkage’ of the damaged veins. Foam Sclerotherapy is more effective than conventional sclerotherapy, especially for larger veins.


2. How is foam sclerotherapy performed?

This is a simple procedure and does not require any anaesthesia. A needle is inserted into the main affected superficial vein, usually under ultrasound guidance. Sclerosant foam is then injected and monitored using ultrasound. The foam causes inflammation of the vein wall and obliteration of the vein. Further injections may be given during the same or different sessions to make sure that all the varicose veins


3. What are the advantages of Foam Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is very effective with bigger spider veins and small varicose veins. It is also a treatment of choice for varicose veins that remain or recur after surgery and those cannot be treated with other methods. Our team of specialists can advise you on treatment options after a detailed examination.


The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult your physicians before considering treatment or for detailed medical advice. (Information provided by Dr. Chad TSE Cheuk-Wa)

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