Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern—they’re a sign of underlying vein disease, also known as chronic venous insufficiency. If you have bulging, twisted veins or experience symptoms such as leg heaviness, swelling, aching, or nighttime cramps, you may be a candidate for ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in minimally invasive vein treatments that address both the appearance and the root cause of vein problems. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is one of our most effective options, especially for veins that are too deep to treat with surface-based procedures.

Understanding the Procedure

Sclerotherapy has been used for decades to close off unwanted veins, but traditional liquid sclerotherapy is best suited for small surface veins, often called spider veins. Foam sclerotherapy takes it to the next level.

Here’s how it works:

1. Guidance with Ultrasound
   Instead of injecting blindly, we use a duplex ultrasound to precisely locate the problematic vein—even if it’s several millimeters below the skin surface. This ensures we target the right vessel and avoid surrounding structures.
2. Foam Sclerosant Injection
   We prepare a special foam solution by mixing a sclerosing agent with air or gas. The foam has a thicker consistency than liquid, which allows it to displace blood inside the vein and make direct contact with the vein wall.
3. Closure of the Vein
   The sclerosant irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to seal shut. Over time, your body naturally reroutes blood through healthier veins, and the treated vein is reabsorbed.

Why Foam Instead of Liquid?

Foam sclerotherapy has several advantages over the liquid form:

• Better Contact: Foam pushes blood aside so the medication fully coats the vein wall.
• Improved Visibility: Under ultrasound, foam is easy to see, ensuring accurate delivery.
• Fewer Treatments: Foam can treat larger veins in fewer sessions compared to liquid sclerotherapy.

Ideal Candidates for Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

This procedure is especially beneficial for:

• Varicose veins that are too large for traditional sclerotherapy
• Veins located beneath the skin surface
• Patients with recurrent varicose veins after surgery or other procedures
• Those who cannot undergo endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) for medical or anatomical reasons

If you’ve been told your veins are “too deep” or “too large” for cosmetic treatment, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy may be the solution.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Our St. Louis vein clinic performs ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy right in the office—no hospital stay required.

• Preparation: You’ll lie comfortably while we clean and prep the treatment area.
• Injection: Using ultrasound for accuracy, we inject the foam directly into the targeted vein. Most patients feel only a mild tingling or pressure.
• Post-Treatment Care: A compression stocking is placed immediately after the procedure to support vein closure and reduce swelling.

The entire session typically takes 20–40 minutes, and you can walk out the door afterward.

Recovery and Results

Recovery is quick, with most patients returning to normal daily activities the same day. You’ll be asked to:

• Wear compression stockings for 1–2 weeks
• Walk regularly to improve circulation
• Avoid strenuous exercise or prolonged standing for a short period

Treated veins usually begin to fade within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months as your body reabsorbs them.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

• Minimally Invasive: No incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia
• High Success Rate: Excellent long-term closure rates for targeted veins
• Safe: Low complication risk when performed by an experienced vein specialist
• Cosmetic and Symptomatic Relief: Improves leg appearance while reducing pain, swelling, and fatigue

A Functional Approach to Vein Care

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we don’t just treat the vein you can see—we evaluate the entire circulatory picture. Many patients with varicose veins also experience restless leg syndrome, skin changes, or ulcer risk due to poor circulation. Our functional approach ensures we:

• Diagnose underlying venous insufficiency with a detailed ultrasound study
• Recommend the right procedure for your anatomy and health
• Integrate lifestyle changes, compression therapy, and follow-up care to keep your legs healthy for years

Bottom Line

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins—especially deeper or larger ones that can’t be treated with surface injections alone. It not only improves the look of your legs but also addresses the discomfort and medical risks associated with untreated vein disease.

If you’re in the St. Louis area and struggling with varicose veins, our team at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) can determine if this innovative procedure is right for you.

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