Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for spider veins and smaller varicose veins, which involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein clusters. The solution causes the treated veins to scar; that scarring reroutes your blood flow to healthier veins, which causes the spider veins to be reabsorbed into the tissue and fade away.

We perform sclerotherapy to treat spider veins and, in some cases, smaller varicose veins. We don’t usually recommend this treatment for larger varicose veins, as it can cause them to become inflamed, worsening the problem. Most often, the procedure is done for cosmetic reasons. However, in cases where the veins are symptomatic, sclerotherapy can also relieve pain, swelling and cramping.

Spider veins and small varicose veins can be an unsightly inconvenience, but we’re here to help. We know every patient is different, which is why we work tirelessly to perform a series of thorough examinations, so we can fine-tune a treatment plan that works for you. Whether it’s lifestyle changes, support stockings or a sclerotherapy procedure, our team is devoted to optimal outcomes that improve your quality of life. 

If you have a history of blood clots or are pregnant, you may not be a candidate for the procedure.

While uncommon, complications associated with sclerotherapy include darkening of the skin, mild swelling or an allergic reaction to the injected solution. There is also a slight chance that air bubbles could form in the bloodstream following sclerotherapy, which could cause headaches, fainting, nausea and trouble seeing. In severe cases, a blood clot may form, leading to deep vein thrombosis. This would require emergency care; however, the likelihood of this occurring is minimal.

During a sclerotherapy procedure, we begin by focusing a light on the veins to get a better look at the area we’re treating. Then, we’ll insert a very small needle into the spider vein clusters to inject the sclerosant. The solution will irritate the vein and cause it to scar, which stops blood from flowing through it. Your blood is resilient though, so it finds an alternate route, leaving the treated vein to turn to scar tissue and eventually fade away.

Sclerotherapy is relatively painless, aside from some mild stinging experienced when the solution is injected. It’s also quick—the entire injection process won’t take more than a half hour. Depending how many areas are affected and the size of your spider veins, we may recommend the treatment be spread out over multiple sessions.

We recommend arriving to your appointment in loose-fitting clothing that will comfortably accommodate support stockings and any bandages applied after treatment. If you take blood-thinning medications, we may have you avoid these leading up to the procedure.

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient treatment, which means you can expect to leave the office after the procedure is complete. Walking around after the procedure is recommended to ensure blood is flowing freely throughout your legs and prevent blood clots. We’ll have you wear a bandage for a few days, as well as support stockings in the weeks leading up to your follow-up appointment. Depending on the size and location of the treated area, you may need to avoid strenuous exercise for the next week or two. However, most patients can return to normal activity immediately.

How quickly you see results will depend on the severity of the veins treated, as well as the number of sessions needed to treat the affected area. The appearance of smaller spider veins may improve in as little as three weeks.

We’ll have you back for a follow-up visit a few weeks after treatment to determine if additional sessions are necessary. If your spider or varicose veins have disappeared, the procedure is considered a success. While the treated veins will not reappear, there is a possibility that other spider veins or varicose veins will occur in the future. If that happens, we are here to help.

The side effects associated with sclerotherapy are temporary and relatively minimal. You might experience some bruising, dark or red spots at or near the injection site and mildly uncomfortable welts or sores that look similar to a bee sting. Avoid exposure to the sun after this procedure, as it can increase your risk of staining, meaning some brownish discoloration developing at the injection site.