Is foam sclerotherapy (Varithena) effective in treating varicose veins

Varicose veins are a common problem affecting many people, especially with age or prolonged standing. This issue is not limited to the undesirable appearance of bulging veins; it may also be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, heaviness in the legs, swelling, and sometimes burning sensations or nighttime cramps.With advances in medicine, many modern methods have emerged to treat varicose veins without the need for traditional surgery. Among these advanced techniques, foam sclerotherapy (Varithena) stands out as an effective and safe solution for treating varicose veins. This treatment involves injecting a special medical foam into the affected vein, gradually closing it and redirecting blood flow to healthy veins. This helps improve circulation and relieve bothersome symptoms.Varithena treatment is simple, performed in the clinic in a short period, and does not require general anesthesia or surgery. Recovery time is also faster compared to traditional methods.In this Dely Medical article, we will explore foam sclerotherapy (Varithena) in detail, how it is performed, its main benefits, types, potential complications, recovery time, and the most frequently asked questions about this treatment.

What is Varithena?

Varithena is a minimally invasive, non-surgical foam treatment that uses Polidocanol and is specifically designed to treat varicose veins caused by problems in the great saphenous vein (GSV). This innovative treatment relies on an injectable foam, patented for medical use, which contains Polidocanol mixed with a precise blend of natural gases.

The advantage of Varithena lies in its microfoam technology. It uses a unique gas mixture composed of 65% oxygen and 35% carbon dioxide, with less than 0.8% nitrogen. This low-nitrogen blend produces a large number of tiny bubbles that work together effectively to treat damaged veins and improve blood flow.

Is Varithena Treatment Painful?

Varithena treatment is usually not very painful. Patients may feel only a mild sting during the injection or a slight pulling sensation in the leg. Most people tolerate the procedure easily without significant discomfort.

How Long Does a Varithena Session Take?

A treatment session typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed in the clinic without general anesthesia, making it simple and quick.

When Can Patients Return to Normal Activities?

Most patients can return to their daily activities on the same day or the next day. Walking for a short period after the session is recommended to improve circulation and speed up recovery.

How Many Sessions of Varithena Are Needed?

The number of sessions depends on each individual case and factors such as:

The size of the varicose veins
The number of veins affected
The body’s response to treatment

In many cases, one or two sessions are sufficient to achieve satisfactory results.

Do Varicose Veins Disappear Immediately After Treatment?

No, varicose veins do not disappear immediately after the session. The treated vein gradually gets absorbed by the body, and results typically begin to appear within a few weeks, continuing to improve up to three months after treatment.

Can Varicose Veins Come Back?

New varicose veins may develop in the future if the underlying causes persist, such as:

Prolonged standing
Weak vein walls
Genetic factors

However, the vein treated with Varithena rarely recurs.

Is Varithena Better Than Surgery?

In many cases, Varithena is an excellent option because:

It does not require surgery or incisions
It leaves no scars
Recovery time is very short

However, the doctor determines the best treatment depending on each patient’s condition.

Does the Patient Need to Wear Compression Stockings After Treatment?

Yes, wearing compression stockings for several days or weeks after the session is usually recommended, as they help:

Improve blood circulation
Speed up healing
Ensure better treatment results

Types of Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins (Varithena)

Foam sclerotherapy is one of the modern treatments for varicose veins. It involves injecting medical foam into the affected vein to close it and stop blood flow, gradually causing the vein to disappear.

Varithena is currently one of the most popular types of foam sclerotherapy in modern medicine.

Foam sclerotherapy can be divided into several types based on foam preparation and the type of sclerosant used:

1. Traditional Foam Sclerotherapy

In this method, the physician prepares the foam in the clinic by mixing:

A vein-sclerosing agent
Air or gas

The foam is then injected directly into the affected vein using a fine needle.

Advantages:

Simple and quick procedure
Lower cost than some modern techniques

Note: Foam quality may vary depending on preparation technique.

2. Ready-to-Use Foam (Varithena)

Varithena is one of the latest types of foam sclerotherapy. Its foam is:

Pre-prepared medically
Contains Polidocanol
Has a consistent concentration and high-quality standard

It is injected into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance (Doppler) to ensure precise delivery of the treatment.

Advantages:

Higher accuracy in treatment
Highly effective for large varicose veins
Better results compared to traditional methods

3. Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

In this type, Doppler ultrasound is used during the injection to monitor the path of the foam inside the vein.

Advantages:

Greater accuracy in targeting the affected vein
Reduced risk of complications
Suitable for deep or large veins

4. Foam Sclerotherapy for Small Veins

This type is used to treat:

Spider veins
Very small varicose veins

A low concentration of the sclerosant is usually used to achieve good cosmetic results.

Who Needs Varithena for Varicose Veins?

Although Varithena is effective, it is not suitable for every patient. It is recommended for certain groups:

People with visible varicose veins

Signs include:

Swollen, bulging veins
Twisted blue or purple veins
Swelling or puffiness in the leg

Patients with bothersome symptoms

Such as:

Leg pain or heaviness
Burning or tingling sensations
Nighttime muscle cramps
Swelling in the foot or ankle

Patients who do not improve with compression stockings

If compression stockings do not help, Varithena can be a suitable option.

People who prefer non-surgical treatment

Varithena is a simple procedure:

No surgical incision
Performed in the clinic
Short recovery period

Patients with superficial venous insufficiency

Particularly effective for treating great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency, a common cause of varicose veins.

Advanced cases with complications

Such as:

Skin discoloration around the ankle
Skin thickening
Venous leg ulcers

When is Varithena Not Suitable?

It may not be recommended in cases of:

Recent blood clots
Pregnancy
Allergy to Polidocanol

A Doppler vein exam should always be performed before deciding on treatment.

Methods of Foam Sclerotherapy (Varithena) for Varicose Veins

Foam sclerotherapy is a modern treatment for varicose veins. It involves injecting medical foam into the affected vein to close it and stop blood flow, causing the vein to gradually disappear. The method varies slightly depending on the technique used and vein size.

1. Traditional Foam Sclerotherapy

Procedure steps:

Clean the affected leg area thoroughly
Prepare the foam by mixing the sclerosant with air in a medical syringe
Insert a fine needle into the affected vein
Slowly inject the foam to fill the targeted area
Apply pressure briefly to ensure proper foam distribution

Usage:

For medium or small varicose veins
Veins close to the skin surface

Advantages:

Simple and quick procedure
Lower cost than some modern techniques

2. Foam Sclerotherapy Using Varithena

This method uses pre-prepared foam containing a specific concentration of Polidocanol, injected under ultrasound guidance.

Procedure steps:

Perform a Doppler exam to locate the affected vein accurately
Clean the skin in the treatment area
Insert a catheter or fine needle into the vein
Slowly inject Varithena foam while monitoring its spread
Ensure complete vein closure

Advantages:

Higher treatment precision
Highly effective for large veins like the GSV
Better results than traditional foam sclerotherapy

3. Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

This type relies on ultrasound to monitor the foam’s movement inside the vein.

Procedure steps:

Identify the vein path using Doppler
Insert the needle under ultrasound guidance
Slowly inject the foam while observing its spread
Ensure complete closure of the affected vein

Usage:

For deep or large veins
When the vein is difficult to see with the naked eye

4. Foam Sclerotherapy for Small Veins and Spider Veins

Used for very small varicose veins and spider veins, often for cosmetic purposes.

Procedure steps:

Identify the targeted small veins
Use an extremely fine needle to inject a small amount of foam
Apply pressure on the area to help the vein close

Advantages:

Clear cosmetic improvement
Simple and quick procedure

Benefits of Varithena Foam Injections

Varithena is a modern treatment that injects foam into the affected vein, closing it and redirecting blood flow to healthy veins. Its active ingredient is Polidocanol.

Main benefits:

Effective treatment for large varicose veins
Varithena can close affected veins without surgery, reducing visible bulging veins.
Reduces pain and cramps
Patients often experience:

Leg pain
Cramps
Burning or tight sensations
After Varithena treatment, these symptoms usually improve significantly.

Simple, non-surgical procedure

No incisions required
Performed in the clinic
Local anesthesia or no anesthesia needed
Allows for a quick return to normal activities.

Short treatment time
Sessions typically take 30–60 minutes, making it suitable for patients avoiding surgery.
Fast recovery
Most patients can:

Walk immediately after the session
Resume daily activities the same or next day

Improved cosmetic appearance
Reduces visible bulging veins and enhances leg appearance.
Reduces future complications
Early treatment can decrease the risk of:

Chronic leg swelling
Skin discoloration
Venous ulcers

Complications and Risks of Varithena

Although generally safe, like any medical procedure, Varithena may cause some side effects:

Common mild side effects:

Pain or swelling at the injection site
Mild leg discomfort or tightness
Usually resolve within a few days

Bruising or skin discoloration:

Temporary bruises or color changes may appear around treated veins
May last several weeks

Superficial phlebitis:

Mild vein inflammation with redness, warmth, or tenderness
Usually treatable with medication or compresses

Small blood clots in surface veins:

Rare complication
Doctors perform Doppler exams and follow-ups to minimize risk

Temporary headache or vision changes:

Some patients may experience mild headache or blurred vision
Usually resolves quickly

Allergic reactions (very rare):

Rash, itching, or swelling
Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergies

Deep vein blockage (extremely rare):

Rare blood clots in deep veins
Risk minimized under specialized medical supervision

Tips to reduce complications:

Walk daily after treatment
Wear compression stockings for several days
Avoid prolonged standing initially
Consult your doctor if abnormal symptoms appear

Recovery After Varithena

Recovery is shorter than traditional surgery since no incisions are made. It varies by vein size and patient health.

Immediately after the session:

Patients can walk 10–20 minutes right away
Light daily activities can be resumed the same day
Walking improves blood flow and reduces clot risk

First few days:

Mild leg swelling
Bruising at injection site
Vein tightness
Usually resolves within a few days

First week:

Most patients return to normal work within 1–2 days
Compression stockings recommended for ~1 week

Final results:

Treated vein gradually absorbed by the body
Results appear in 2–3 weeks
Veins fully improve within 1–3 months

Tips to speed recovery:

Walk 20–30 minutes daily
Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
Wear medical stockings as instructed
Avoid intense exercise during the first days