Key Highlights
- Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive spider vein treatment that can also address small varicose veins.
- The procedure involves injecting a solution that causes treated vessels to collapse and fade over time.
- Your provider uses a fine needle at the injection site, and the procedure is usually completed in under an hour.
- Common side effects are mild and may include temporary bruising, swelling, or skin darkening.
- While sclerotherapy is highly effective, some veins may require more than one treatment session for optimal results.
- Aftercare often includes wearing compression stockings to support healing and improve outcomes.
Overview
Sclerotherapy is a safe way for people to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Many choose it to fix how their legs look, but it can also help if you feel pain, swelling, or burning in your legs. A successful treatment happens when the doctor uses a sclerosing agent the right way.
This chemical gets put right into the vein with a small needle. It makes the vein close up and scar. Your blood then goes to other veins that are healthy. Over time, the problem vein goes away and you can see clear skin in the area.
Most people get better comfort and like the way their legs look after sclerotherapy.
Understanding Vein Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

Injection sclerotherapy is an exact treatment area method for spider vein removal. In this process, a sclerosing solution gets put straight into the superficial veins that have the problem. This special mix works to bother the inside lining of these veins. That starts a process, which makes these veins go away over time.
The main idea is to block the bad veins. This makes them less easy to see and can help cut down on any symptoms you have with them. For the treatment area, this approach works very well on small veins that you see near the skin’s top layer. Up next, we will talk about what the treatment involves, how this differs from something else, and why many people go for this treatment.
What is sclerotherapy treatment?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure people use to get rid of spider veins and small varicose veins. In this treatment, a healthcare provider injects a sclerosing agent into a blood vessel with a very fine needle at the injection site.
How does sclerotherapy help remove spider veins? The sclerosing agent irritates the inside of the vein. When this happens, the walls of the blood vessel swell up and then stick together. This seals the vein closed, so it cannot carry blood anymore.
As time goes by, the closed vein turns into scar tissue. The body absorbs this scar tissue, and the veins start to fade. This makes spider veins in the treatment area less visible. Sclerotherapy is a good option for people who want to treat small veins, and people may choose it for both medical and cosmetic reasons.
Differences between vein sclerotherapy and other treatments
When considering vein treatment, you have several options. Sclerotherapy and laser therapy are two common methods, but they work in different ways and are suited for different types of veins. Sclerotherapy uses a chemical solution to close the vein from the inside, while laser therapy uses focused light energy to heat and destroy the vein.
Both treatments have potential side effects, though they are typically mild. After sclerotherapy, you will likely need to wear compression stockings to help the treated vessels close properly. This is not always a requirement for surface laser treatments.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Sclerotherapy | Laser Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Injection of a chemical solution | Application of focused light energy |
| Best For | Spider veins, reticular veins, small varicose veins | Smaller spider veins, facial veins |
| Procedure | Minimally invasive, in-office | Non-invasive, in-office |
| Aftercare | Often requires compression stockings | Usually requires sun avoidance |
Common reasons people choose sclerotherapy injections
People pick injection sclerotherapy for many reasons. Some need it for their health, while others just want to look better. The best person for this spider vein treatment is usually healthy and wants to fix spider veins or small to medium-sized varicose veins. Many people want the treatment because they do not like how spider veins look on their legs. It can make them feel self-conscious.
But it is not just about looks. This treatment for spider veins can also help with how you feel. Some people use injection sclerotherapy to stop the pain or other problems that come with these veins. Here are some of the main reasons people choose it:
- Relief from symptoms like aching, swelling, burning, and nighttime cramping.
- Improving the cosmetic appearance of the legs for a boost in confidence.
- A minimally invasive option with a quick recovery compared to surgery for larger veins.
In the end, choosing this treatment for spider veins and varicose veins depends on you. Injection sclerotherapy is a good way to take care of both the look and the problems caused by veins, and you do not need to have big surgery.
How Sclerotherapy Works to Remove Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a process that uses a sclerosing solution. This solution gets injected into the problem veins. It causes the walls of these veins to react. The irritation starts a chain of events in your body, leading the injected veins to close up.
After this treatment session, your body will slowly break down and take in the treated vessels. Some side effects may happen, but one session can get rid of a good number of the targeted veins. Now, let’s talk about what the science shows, what goes on with the veins, and what results you might see after the treatment.
The science behind sclerotherapy injections
The science behind sclerotherapy is based on a process called endothelial ablation. The endothelium is the thin inside layer of a blood vessel. When a sclerosing solution is injected, it hits this inner area and harms it on purpose. This controlled damage is what the treatment needs to work as it should.
Some common sclerosing agents are chemicals like sodium tetradecyl sulfate and polidocanol. These agents act as strong irritants to the vein’s wall. When you inject them into small veins, the solution makes the blood vessel swell. The walls stick together, and the blood can’t move through this part anymore.
This action closes off the targeted vein. The body will then send its natural healing process to clean up, and over time, it breaks down the closed vein until you can’t see it on the skin anymore. That’s how sclerotherapy is used to get rid of spider veins on your skin.
What happens to treated veins after sclerotherapy?
After the sclerosing agent goes into the blood vessel, the veins start to change. The solution makes the walls swell and close up. This stops blood from moving in the vein right away.
In the next few weeks or months, the body takes care of the vein like it would a bruise. It slowly breaks down and takes in the tissue from the closed blood vessel. Because of this, the vein slowly goes away and is no longer visible. Sclerotherapy works well. Studies say that it can remove 50% to 80% of the veins that get injected in one visit.
To help you heal, your doctor may tell you to use compression stockings. These are tight clothes that press on the area where the vein was treated. They help keep the vein walls together and make healing happen faster.
Expected results from vein sclerotherapy
Getting a successful treatment with sclerotherapy takes time. You do not see results right away. After the spider vein removal, the area begins to heal. The veins will slowly start to fade.
When will you see changes? It depends on if the veins are small veins or larger veins. Most people notice the full results in a few weeks to a few months. Below is a simple guide:
- Small veins (spider veins): You may see changes in 3 to 6 weeks.
- Larger veins: These could take 3 to 4 months before they fade.
Sometimes, veins need more than one treatment before they go away for good. Your healthcare provider will set up a follow-up about a month after your first procedure. They will check on your progress and let you know if you need another session.
Limitations of Sclerotherapy
While sclerotherapy works well for many people with varicose veins, it does not help everyone. It may not be best for larger varicose veins, as these sometimes do better with endovenous ablation or surgery. Less than 10% of people will not get results from the injections, so there is a chance the treatment may not work for you.
There are some side effects and risks that you need to think about before you start treatment. Most people have no serious problems, but it is still important to know about them. Some things that could happen are:
- Formation of blood clots: Blood clots can form in a vein that gets treated. In rare cases, one of these clots may move to a deeper vein. This can lead to deep vein thrombosis, which is a serious problem.
- Skin injury: At the injection site, you may get small sores. Sometimes there can be permanent scars.
- Ineffectiveness: The treatment may not work for everyone or for every vein.
Knowing about the side effects, the risk of blood clots, and other limits helps you know what to expect. It is a good idea to talk to your provider about these side effects, the risk of blood clots, and if sclerotherapy is best for your varicose veins before you decide to go ahead.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins (not just spider veins)
Sclerotherapy does more than treat spider veins. It is also good for the sclerotherapy of varicose veins. The method works well for treating superficial varicose veins. It can help with tributaries and some larger veins that are not right for surgery. How well it works will depend on the type and size of the vein.
Sometimes, foam sclerotherapy is used for certain saphenous veins, like the great saphenous vein. This treatment has been a good, low-cost choice. Foam sclerotherapy treats longer and larger vein areas than liquid sclerotherapy. This makes it a good option for those who want something less invasive than surgery.
The main idea stays the same for all forms of sclerotherapy. The goal is to close the vein that is causing trouble and help blood flow take a new route. If it is used on the right person, sclerotherapy can greatly improve the symptoms and look of the treated veins. It offers an easier way to get relief from varicose veins.
Types of Sclerotherapy Procedures

The sclerotherapy treatment you get can be different based on the kind and size of your veins. The big change is in the sclerosing agent. Your doctor may use a liquid or a foam. Liquid sclerotherapy is the older way. Foam sclerotherapy is more new and can work better for some veins.
Sometimes, your doctor may use ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. This helps find veins that are deep and can’t be seen on the skin. Knowing these types of sclerotherapy can help you understand what will happen at the time of your treatment.
Liquid vs. foam sclerotherapy
The two main types of sclerotherapy are liquid and foam. In liquid sclerotherapy, the sclerosing solution is injected in its original liquid state. This is the standard and most common method, especially for smaller veins. In foam sclerotherapy, the doctor mixes the solution with air or another gas to create a foam.
This foam has the consistency of shaving cream and can displace blood within the vein more effectively than liquid. This makes it particularly useful for treating larger varicose veins. Both methods are performed in a single treatment session and have similar potential side effects, although the choice between them depends on your specific needs.
Here is a comparison of the two types:
| Feature | Liquid Sclerotherapy | Foam Sclerotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Spider veins, reticular veins, small varicose veins | Larger varicose veins, saphenous veins |
| Mechanism | Liquid solution mixes with blood in the vein | Foam displaces blood for better vein wall contact |
| Visibility | Not visible on ultrasound | Bubbles are visible on ultrasound, aiding guidance |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective for small veins | More effective than liquid for larger veins |
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy treats veins beneath the skin, including large varicose and deep leg veins. Using real-time ultrasound, the doctor guides a needle into the vein and injects a sclerosing agent, often foam, while monitoring its spread. This technique improves safety and effectiveness for deeper veins, ensuring thorough treatment and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Which type is best for spider veins?
When you want to treat spider veins and other small veins, liquid sclerotherapy is often the top choice. The small and shallow veins can be reached easily. The liquid solution is thin, so it’s possible to inject it into these veins without causing problems or too much pressure.
The main aim for the treatment area is to make these web-like veins fade so your skin looks better. Liquid sclerotherapy does this very well. It makes the vein walls go flat and helps them fade slowly in a few weeks. The treatment is often picked for spider veins for these reasons:
- Precision: The liquid helps doctors inject into very thin veins with great accuracy.
- Lower Risk: This option comes with fewer side effects, like skin stains, when compared to foam for small veins.
- Proven Results: There is good proof that this method works for spider veins.
Foam can be an option. But doctors mostly use it for bigger veins, like reticular veins or varicose veins that lead to spider veins. For spider veins, liquid sclerotherapy is still the first choice.
Preparing for Your Sclerotherapy Appointment
Getting ready is very important for a safe and easy sclerotherapy treatment. Your doctor will give you steps to follow before you come in. You will need to make some changes in what you do each day. This is to help get the treatment area ready.
Doing what your doctor says helps get the right diagnosis. It makes it more likely your treatment will go well. You might be told to bring your compression stockings and not put some things on your legs. Here are the steps to follow before you get your procedure.
Steps to take before the procedure
Yes, there are a few things you should do before you get sclerotherapy. The day you come in, do not put lotion, cream, or oil on your legs. These things can stop your skin from being cleaned the right way and make the treatment harder.
Your doctor will tell you what to do about your medicines. You might need to stop taking pills like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, for two days before your treatment. These can make you bleed more. Always talk to your doctor before you stop taking any medicine they give you.
You should get ready by doing a few things:
- Wear loose and comfy clothes. Bring some shorts to wear during your treatment.
- If you already have compression stockings from another treatment, bring them with you.
- Let your doctor know about any sickness or health problems you have now.
When you follow these easy steps, you help keep the treatment area clean. You also help your doctor give you a good diagnosis and help your day go much better.
What to discuss with your doctor
It is very important to talk openly with your doctor before you go for your sclerotherapy treatment session. At your meeting, you will need to share your full medical history. This chat helps your provider know if you are a good fit for the treatment and pick the right sclerosing agent for you.
Make sure that you talk about any allergies you have. It is most important to say if you react to anesthetic agents or other medical solutions you got before. Also, let your doctor know if you have a history of blood clots. This helps your doctor see your risk. Here are the key topics to bring up:
- All the medicines and supplements you use now, including aspirin and herbal remedies.
- Any past treatments for varicose veins and what happened after.
- Any chance that you might be pregnant.
- What you want from the treatment and any worries you have about side effects.
This talk helps your provider get all the facts they need to plan a safe treatment that works well for you.
Pre-procedure Diagnosis and Documentation
Before any injections start, your doctor will look closely at the treatment area. This first check is needed for a clear diagnosis. It helps your doctor make a good plan for how to treat your varicose veins. The doctor will look at your legs to find which veins need help.
Sometimes, if there may be deeper varicose veins, you may need an ultrasound before treatment. This test lets your doctor see veins under your skin. It helps look for problems like venous reflux. These records show if you can get the treatment. The doctor also uses it to pick which veins to work on.
This early check acts as a starting point. It helps your doctor see how you do after the treatment. It makes sure all problem veins are treated. Doing this should give you a better result over time.
Cost considerations in the United States
The cost of sclerotherapy treatment in the United States can vary widely. Several factors influence the final price, including the number and size of the veins being treated, the type of sclerotherapy used, and the geographic location of the clinic. Each treatment session is typically billed separately.
A major consideration is insurance coverage. Sclerotherapy is often considered a cosmetic procedure, in which case it is usually not covered by insurance. However, if the treatment is deemed medically necessary to relieve symptoms like pain or swelling, your insurance plan may cover a portion of the cost. It is always best to check with your insurance provider beforehand.
Here are some factors that can affect the overall cost:
| Cost Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Sessions | More veins or complex cases may require multiple appointments. |
| Type of Procedure | Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy may cost more than simple liquid injections. |
| Provider’s Fees | Costs can vary based on the experience and location of the specialist. |
| Geographic Location | Prices for medical procedures differ between cities and states. |
Sclerotherapy Procedure: Step-by-Step
A sclerotherapy treatment session is a simple procedure done in the office. During this visit, you will get a series of sclerotherapy injections. The provider will target your spider veins or varicose veins. He will clean every injection site and work to keep you comfortable.
After these injections, the provider will give you instructions for caring for yourself. Most of the time, you will need to wear compression stockings. If you know what happens during the treatment session, you may feel less worried and ready for any side effects that can show up after the process.
What to expect during sclerotherapy injections
During your sclerotherapy treatment, you will lie down in a way that is comfortable for you, with your legs up a little. Someone from your health team will clean the treatment area. Your doctor will then use a very thin needle to put the sclerosing solution into the veins that need to get treated.
You might feel a little pinch from the needle at the injection site. Some people also say there is a mild sting or burning feeling when the solution goes into the vein. If there are larger veins to treat, you could have a bit of cramp for a minute or two. Tell your doctor if you notice any big pain. After each injection, your doctor may rub the spot to help move the solution around.
When all the veins are injected, pressure will be put on each injection site. You can expect these things:
- The procedure is done at your doctor’s office.
- You will get small needle pokes and may have mild, short-lasting discomfort.
- The whole process usually takes less than one hour.
How long does the treatment take?
A normal sclerotherapy treatment session is fast. Most of the time, it takes 30 to 45 minutes for people to finish the whole procedure. The exact time depends on things like how many veins you have, how big the veins are, and where they are in your body.
If you have only a few small spider veins, the injections might take just 15 to 20 minutes. But if there are many spider veins, or you have larger veins that need treatment, it will take more time. The doctor has to look at every vein, clean the injection site, do the injection, and softly massage each area.
Even if you get a lot of injections, the treatment session is done quickly. Your doctor will work step-by-step and treat every vein that needs care, all in one session. This makes it a good choice for people who have busy days and need a fast but useful way to get care.
Tips for a comfortable experience
Your comfort is important during sclerotherapy. This procedure is mostly easy to handle, but there are some things you can do to make it better. Talk to your doctor during the process. If you have more than a little pain, tell them right away.
The clothes you wear can help. Loose pants or a skirt work well. You can bring shorts to change into, so your doctor can reach your legs easily. After this is done, you can go back to most of your daily things. It helps to plan for a calm day. For the best comfort:
- Don’t shave your legs or put on lotion on the day you have this done.
- Get your compression stockings ready. Put them on right after treatment.
- See if someone can drive you home. You can usually drive yourself, but it’s good to have a plan.
Recovery and Aftercare
Your recovery after sclerotherapy is important. Listen to your doctor about aftercare. This helps you get good results and avoid problems. Wearing compression stockings is the key part, and you must follow your doctor’s advice.
You should start light activities, such as walking, soon after the procedure. Most people recover quickly. You will need to stop heavy exercise or hard work for a few weeks. After your appointment, take care of the treated area as your doctor recommends.
Post-procedure instructions
Right after you have your sclerotherapy, you can stand up and walk. Walking is good because it helps stop blood clots from happening. One of the most important things to do after this treatment is to wear your compression stockings or bandages all the time for as long as your doctor tells you to, usually for two weeks.
Most people get back to their daily activities on the same day. But there are some things to remember so you do not hurt the area that was treated or have side effects. It is best to stay away from hot baths, saunas, and direct sun on your legs for around two weeks. Here are some instructions for after your procedure:
- Walk for 15-20 minutes right after your treatment and every day after.
- Keep wearing compression stockings just like your doctor tells you. Sometimes, you even wear them when you sleep if your doctor says so.
- Do not do hard exercise or lift much for about two weeks.
By doing these things, you help your body heal and get the best results.
Typical recovery timeline
A normal sclerotherapy treatment session is fast. Most of the time, it takes 30 to 45 minutes for people to finish the whole procedure. The exact time depends on things like how many veins you have, how big the veins are, and where they are in your body.
If you have only a few small spider veins, the injections might take just 15 to 20 minutes. But if there are many spider veins, or you have larger veins that need treatment, it will take more time. The doctor has to look at every vein, clean the injection site, do the injection, and softly massage each area.
Even if you get a lot of injections, the treatment session is done quickly. Your doctor will work step-by-step and treat every vein that needs care, all in one session. This makes it a good choice for people who have busy days and need a fast but useful way to get care.
Activities to avoid after vein sclerotherapy
Your comfort is important during sclerotherapy. This procedure is mostly easy to handle, but there are some things you can do to make it better. Talk to your doctor during the process. If you have more than a little pain, tell them right away.
The clothes you wear can help. Loose pants or a skirt work well. You can bring shorts to change into, so your doctor can reach your legs easily. After this is done, you can go back to most of your daily things. It helps to plan for a calm day. For the best comfort:
- Don’t shave your legs or put on lotion on the day you have this done.
- Get your compression stockings ready. Put them on right after treatment.
- See if someone can drive you home. You can usually drive yourself, but it’s good to have a plan.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Sclerotherapy is a safe way to treat veins, and it usually works well. But, you need to know about the possible side effects and risks. Most side effects are minor. The most common problems at the injection site are bruising or swelling. These usually go away after a short time. Some people may have allergic reactions or get deep vein thrombosis. These serious problems are rare but can happen.
It is good to know about these risks, so you can make the best choice for your treatment. It helps you understand what is normal and what is not. If you know this, you will know when you might need to see a doctor. Below, we will talk about the common side effects and some rare ones too.
Common and rare side effects of sclerotherapy injections
Yes, there can be side effects from sclerotherapy, but most of them are mild and last only a short time. After you get the injections, it is normal to see some small issues on the skin where you got the shot. These usually go away on their own in a few days or sometimes in a few weeks.
There are also some serious side effects that could happen, but they are not common. If they do, you need to get help from your doctor right away. You might have allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, but this does not happen often. The biggest risk is getting a deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in your deep vein. Common side effects include:
- Bruising, raised red areas, or small skin sores at the injection site.
- Brown lines or spots on the skin. These usually go away in a few months.
- Lumpy or hard feelings in bigger veins that have been treated.
There are rare side effects that can be dangerous. These can be things like inflammation, bad allergic reactions, and blood clots. It is very important to talk with your provider about all the side effects and risks before you get sclerotherapy.
How to minimize risks
You can do a few things to lower the side effects and risks when getting sclerotherapy. The best thing to do is to find a healthcare provider in Airmont NY who knows a lot about vein treatments. Choosing someone with experience is important as they will use the right way and the right solution for you.
It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure. You have to wear the compression stockings for as long as your doctor tells you. These stockings give one of the best protections from side effects after treatment. Good compression helps close off the veins that were treated. It also lowers your risk of blood clots. To keep to the lowest risks:
- Be clear about your medical history and the medicines you take.
- Do not do things your doctor says you should stop, like hard exercise and being in the sun after the procedure.
- Walk often, as this helps your blood move well.
The steps above can make side effects less likely and give you the best results.
When to contact your healthcare provider
Your comfort is important during sclerotherapy. This procedure is mostly easy to handle, but there are some things you can do to make it better. Talk to your doctor during the process. If you have more than a little pain, tell them right away.
The clothes you wear can help. Loose pants or a skirt work well. You can bring shorts to change into, so your doctor can reach your legs easily. After this is done, you can go back to most of your daily things. It helps to plan for a calm day. For the best comfort:
- Don’t shave your legs or put on lotion on the day you have this done.
- Get your compression stockings ready. Put them on right after treatment.
- See if someone can drive you home. You can usually drive yourself, but it’s good to have a plan.
Results and Effectiveness
Sclerotherapy is a good way to treat spider veins and varicose veins. Many people get a successful treatment with this method. In each session, about 50% to 80% of the veins that are injected can go away. People can get a big change in how the area looks and feels after the treatment.
The results of spider vein removal tend to be long-lasting for the veins that are treated. Knowing when you will see results and how long the effects last can help you have the right expectations. Here is a look at the timeline and how long the results from sclerotherapy can last.
How soon will you see results?
Patience is needed after you have a sclerotherapy treatment session for spider veins and varicose veins. You will not see results right away. The treatment works by making the veins collapse. Then, the veins form scars and your body will absorb them. The length of time to see a successful treatment depends on the size and type of vein.
If you get small veins treated, like spider veins, you can see changes in about 3 to 6 weeks. The fine lines will slowly fade away during this time. If you are treated for larger varicose veins, the process takes more time. These larger veins could need from 3 to 4 months to clear up. You can expect the following time frame:
- In the first 1 to 2 weeks, any bruising and redness will start to go away.
- Spider veins will fade a lot by week 6.
- Larger veins may take about 4 months to go away.
Your doctor will make an appointment to see you again after your treatment session. This is to check how you are doing and to see if you need more spider vein removal or if everything looks good.
Longevity of improvement after vein sclerotherapy
You can do a few things to lower the side effects and risks when getting sclerotherapy. The best thing to do is to find a healthcare provider in Airmont NY who knows a lot about vein treatments. Choosing someone with experience is important as they will use the right way and the right solution for you.
It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure. You have to wear the compression stockings for as long as your doctor tells you. These stockings give one of the best protections from side effects after treatment. Good compression helps close off the veins that were treated. It also lowers your risk of blood clots. To keep to the lowest risks:
- Be clear about your medical history and the medicines you take.
- Do not do things your doctor says you should stop, like hard exercise and being in the sun after the procedure.
- Walk often, as this helps your blood move well.
The steps above can make side effects less likely and give you the best results.
Can sclerotherapy be repeated if needed?
Most of the side effects from sclerotherapy are mild. Still, there are some signs that should make you get in touch with your doctor right away. It is good to know what is a normal part of healing and what could be a real problem. This can help keep you safe.
If you see any sign of a serious allergic reaction, like trouble breathing or swelling that comes on fast, you need emergency help right away. You should also be alert for signs of a blood clot. If you get sudden, bad swelling in your leg, or if your chest hurts and you feel dizzy, talk to your doctor or go to emergency care now. It is important to call your provider if you notice:
- Inflammation or strong pain at the treatment area that keeps getting worse with time.
- Small ulcers forming at the injection site.
- Sudden swelling in your leg.
- Any symptoms that affect your nerves, such as changes in vision or fainting.
Reporting these signs right away helps you get the care you need if there could be any complications.
Comparative Effectiveness for Small vs. Large Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy is highly effective, but its success rate can differ based on the size of the vein being treated. For small veins like spider veins and reticular veins, liquid sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard, often resulting in complete clearance. As veins get larger, the approach may need to be adjusted.
For large varicose veins, such as incompetent saphenous veins, foam sclerotherapy is significantly more effective than liquid. The foam displaces blood more efficiently, ensuring better contact between the sclerosing agent and the vein wall. In many cases, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is used for these larger veins to ensure precision and safety.
Here is a comparison of its effectiveness:
| Vein Type | Recommended Sclerotherapy | Expected Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Veins (Small Veins) | Liquid Sclerotherapy | High (Often >90% improvement) |
| Reticular Veins | Liquid or Light Foam Sclerotherapy | High |
| Superficial Varicose Veins | Foam Sclerotherapy | Good to Excellent |
| Large Varicose Veins | Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy | Good, but may have higher recurrence than surgery |
Comparison of Sclerotherapy with Laser Treatment
Sclerotherapy offers long-lasting results—once treated, spider veins are absorbed by the body and do not return, improving both appearance and comfort. However, sclerotherapy does not prevent new veins from forming elsewhere over time.
Treatment success depends on both the initial procedure and your body’s tendency to form new veins. Many people enjoy clear skin for years, and any new veins can be treated with additional sessions. Because results are durable and repeatable, sclerotherapy remains a trusted option for managing spider or larger veins.
Conclusion
To sum up, sclerotherapy is a simple way to treat spider veins. It is not too hard on the body, and you do not need surgery. This treatment helps people get clear skin and feel better about how they look. When you learn how the treatment works, the good parts, and what risks there may be, you can choose what is right for you and your veins. It is a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider who knows about sclerotherapy. They can help you see if this treatment is right for you. After you get sclerotherapy, remember to care for your skin and make some changes to your daily habits so you get the best results. If you feel ready to have healthier veins, get a free chat with our team today and see how sclerotherapy can help you with spider veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sclerotherapy last?
The effects of sclerotherapy can last for a few years. But, how long they stay good can be different for each person. The size of the veins that you get treated and your health can play a part in this. You may need to come back for follow-up treatments with the doctor to keep the best results.
How effective is vein sclerotherapy for spider veins?
Vein sclerotherapy works very well to treat spider veins. The success rate is usually over 80%. After a few sessions, most people notice a big change in how their legs look and feel. This is why many doctors and patients choose this treatment for spider veins.
Are sclerotherapy injections painful?
Sclerotherapy injections can make you feel some pain. Many describe it as a light burning or stinging feel. But, most people do not have much trouble with the treatment. Any pain from this will usually go away fast. The doctors can also use local anesthetics during the procedure to help lower the pain.
Is vein sclerotherapy covered by insurance?
Vein sclerotherapy could be paid for by insurance if your policy allows it and if it’s medically needed. You must talk to your provider to know the exact coverage for this. Most of the time, if the procedure is seen as cosmetic, this will not be paid for. It’s best to get pre-authorization if you can. Read Does Insurance Cover Sclerotherapy?
Is sclerotherapy safe during pregnancy?
Sclerotherapy is usually not suggested when you are pregnant because there can be some risks. The changes in hormones at this time can change how your veins look and feel. It is better to wait until after you have your baby to get this treatment. You should talk with your doctor to get advice that fits your situation.