What is foam sclerotherapy?

What exactly is foam sclerotherapy, and is it more effective than traditional sclerotherapy?

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Jan 03, 2022

Foam Sclerotherapy is Sclerotherapy in which the injected solution has been a gas dissolved within it (similar to carbonated water, in which carbon dioxide is dissolved in water). The gas that is dissolved includes carbon dioxide or air.

I have, personally, never found Foam Sclerotherapy to be more effective than Sclerotherapy in permanently removing veins, including both the largest Varicose Veins or small Spider Veins.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Foam Sclerotherapy is Sclerotherapy in which the injected solution has been a gas dissolved within it (similar to carbonated water, in which carbon dioxide is dissolved in water). The gas that is dissolved includes carbon dioxide or air.

I have, personally, never found Foam Sclerotherapy to be more effective than Sclerotherapy in permanently removing veins, including both the largest Varicose Veins or small Spider Veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Columbia Doctors Interventional Radiology

Published on Jan 25, 2013

Foam sclerotherapy is when we do the injection with a liquid mixed with a gas like air or carbon dioxide. It makes the injection more potent.

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Answered by Columbia Doctors Interventional Radiology

Foam sclerotherapy is when we do the injection with a liquid mixed with a gas like air or carbon dioxide. It makes the injection more potent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 12, 2010

Foam sclerotherapy is formed by dissolving a sclerosing solution (in the category of what is called a detergent) with air or CO2 to form a mixture that looks like foam(actually, it looks like shaving cream). The foam is then injected into the veins. Foam can also be seen on ultrasound so that it can be used with ultrasound and this is called ultrasonic guided foam sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Foam sclerotherapy is formed by dissolving a sclerosing solution (in the category of what is called a detergent) with air or CO2 to form a mixture that looks like foam(actually, it looks like shaving cream). The foam is then injected into the veins. Foam can also be seen on ultrasound so that it can be used with ultrasound and this is called ultrasonic guided foam sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 26, 2010

Foam sclerotherapy involves transforming the medication injected into a foam form. It can then be seen with ultrasound when injected and potentially directed into particular veins. It is more effective for the larger veins.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Foam sclerotherapy involves transforming the medication injected into a foam form. It can then be seen with ultrasound when injected and potentially directed into particular veins. It is more effective for the larger veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 16, 2009

Foam sclerotherapy means combining the sclerotherapy medication with air to generate a foamed solution. This is then injected into the veins to promote absorption and resolution.
Foam is generally used for the treatment of larger varicose veins that your doctor feels would be under-treated with the sclerosing agent alone.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Foam sclerotherapy means combining the sclerotherapy medication with air to generate a foamed solution. This is then injected into the veins to promote absorption and resolution.
Foam is generally used for the treatment of larger varicose veins that your doctor feels would be under-treated with the sclerosing agent alone.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Capitol Vein & Laser Centers - Leesburg

Published on Oct 08, 2009

Foam sclerotherapy means combining the sclerotherapy medication with air to generate a foamed solution. This is then injected into the veins to promote absorption and resolution.
The stronger foamed agents are not necessary for the treatment of spider veins. Foam is reserved to the treatment of larger varicose veins that your doctor feels would be under-treated with the sclerosing agent alone.
Micro-phlebectomy is another procedure that is highly effective in treating varicose veins for which foam might be recommended.

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Answered by Capitol Vein & Laser Centers - Leesburg

Foam sclerotherapy means combining the sclerotherapy medication with air to generate a foamed solution. This is then injected into the veins to promote absorption and resolution.
The stronger foamed agents are not necessary for the treatment of spider veins. Foam is reserved to the treatment of larger varicose veins that your doctor feels would be under-treated with the sclerosing agent alone.
Micro-phlebectomy is another procedure that is highly effective in treating varicose veins for which foam might be recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Sep 24, 2009

Foam sclerotherapy is the mixing of a sclerotherapy solution with a gas (room air or CO2). It is stronger than traditional sclerotherapy. Compared to traditional sclerotherapy, it works better for the bigger veins.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Foam sclerotherapy is the mixing of a sclerotherapy solution with a gas (room air or CO2). It is stronger than traditional sclerotherapy. Compared to traditional sclerotherapy, it works better for the bigger veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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