Asclera ® Injection is a prescription medicine that’s delivered through a procedure called sclerotherapy to remove unwanted veins on your legs. It is administered by a healthcare provider to treat two types of veins: spider veins and small varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Asclera ® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein to treat uncomplicated spider and reticular veins in the lower extremities. It works by damaging the lining of the blood vessels in the legs, causing the body to clear the vessel. It is used in uncomplicated spider veins <1mm in diameter and uncomplicated reticular veins 1mm-3mm in diameter.
Depending on the patient it may take 3-5 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart. Results can be permanent but vary from patient to patient. New blood vessels may begin to grow over time and additional treatment may be required.
Contraindications include pregnancy, allergies to polidocanol, acute blood clotting disorders, or any history of vein disease
* Treatment ranges from $250-$375 per session depending on the size of the treatment area.
Pre-Procedural Instructions
- Purchase medical-grade compression stockings for your treatment. It is recommended 20-30mm Hg which can be purchased at any local pharmacy. Bring these to your visit.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting pants or shorts to your appointment.
- Do not shave or use lotion on your legs the day of the procedure.
- Discontinue use of an artificial tanner at least 1 week prior to your procedure.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours prior to treatment to decrease the risk of bruising.
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications such as Vitamin A, E, Multivitamins, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, and Naproxen for 7 days prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
- If you are on blood thinners such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, or Plavix please check with your PCP if this treatment is appropriate for you.
- Avoid this procedure if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Procedural Instructions
- After treatment, your skin may look bruised, reddened, irritated, or have localized swelling. These symptoms can take a few weeks to fade. The length of time for discoloration depends on your body’s ability to reabsorb the iron in the treated vessels.
- You make take Tylenol for discomfort.
- The use of graduated compression stockings is required for a continuous 48 hours immediately post-treatment. After 48 hours it is recommended to wear the compression stockings 2-3 times a week during the daytime.
- For 5-7 days after treatment avoid heavy exercise, direct sun exposure, long plane flights, hot showers, saunas, or baths.
- It is important to walk 15-30 minutes immediately after treatment. Repeat this daily for 3-5 days.
- Avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Treatment may be repeated in 4-6 weeks. Some individuals may require 3-4 treatment sessions.
- If the extent of the varicose veins requires >10mL of the solution, you may need to come back in 1-2 weeks for repeat treatment.