Which type of sclerotherapy you have performed depends on the size of the problematic vein(s) and the location of the vessels.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The answer depends on the size of the vein. Generally speaking, liquid works best for smaller veins and spider veins, while foam is more effective on larger veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Both types of sclerotherapy work well. Some injectors prefer liquid for the smaller sized veins and foam for the larger. I use foam for all size veins and the results are very good, so my preference is foam.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is no easy answer to this question. It depends on the size of the vein being treated. I generally have replaced liquid sclerotherapy with foam sclerotherapy for all size veins in my practice, but the actual data in published studies is somewhat vague for smaller vein sizes, less than 1 mm in diameter. What I have noticed since switching to foam is fewer skin complications and better results. With foam, there is air mixed with the liquid so less drug is placed. If the foam leaks out of the vein, there is less drug to hurt the skin. The tiny bubbles of foam tend to put the drug up against the wall of the vein, where it needs to be to work.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

We use foam almost exclusively, but this question addresses "results" and results is a broad term. Liquid may be good for certain cosmetic situations. Which to use depends on the individual patient situation as well as whether the patient's vein issues are medical versus cosmetic.

Published on Jul 11, 2012