What is the difference between conventional sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy?

In foam sclerotherapy, a special foam is injected into the varicose veins instead of the usual liquid sclerosant. Immediately before treatment, the doctor produces foam from the tried-and-tested liquid sclerosant containing polidocanol (lauromacrogol 400). The method of action is the same in both types of sclerotherapy, but the foam has an even more powerful effect in sticking the vein walls together (sclerosing and obliterating the vein). The body gradually breaks down the blocked veins over the following weeks, ideally without leaving any remnants.

The blood does not dilute and carry away sclerosant foam as quickly as it does liquid sclerosant, particularly in the larger veins. This is important when treating large varicose veins, as the foam can act longer on the vein walls.

Foam sclerotherapy is therefore an almost painless, minimally invasive, and cost-effective alternative to surgical procedures and laser or radiofrequency ablation therapy.