Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins. It includes a series of injections by a very small needle to unwanted or symptomatic veins. A sclerosing solution is injected directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse, close off, and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.

The number of treatments varies depending on the size and number of veins being treated. For optimal results, we often recommend 2-3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Typically, we like to wait around 4-6 weeks between treatment sessions.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort. You may feel a mild burning or tingling sensation during the injection, but it's generally well tolerated.

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure. It typically takes around 30-45 minutes per session. You’ll lie comfortably while a series of small injections are made into the veins.

Results vary by individual. Small veins may disappear in 3-6 weeks, while larger veins may take up to 3-4 months to show improvement. Full results are generally visible after the recommended treatment sessions.

We would suggest starting the process early and planning your vein treatments many months before an event or vacation. It’s important to know that the treated areas often look worse before they improve. After the procedure, you will likely notice bruising, swelling, or discoloration in the treated veins, which is completely normal. This is part of the healing process.

For most patients, expect the treated areas to look worse for about 4-6 weeks before you start seeing noticeable improvement. The veins will gradually fade over several weeks to months, depending on the size and severity of the veins.

There is little to no downtime. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately. However, you should avoid hot showers for 4-5 days after treatment and avoid sun exposure for 1-2 weeks after treatment.

There are no restrictions on physical activity after treatment and typically there no restrictions on flying.

The treated veins usually do not return, but new veins can develop over time. Regular maintenance treatments may be needed to keep your legs looking their best.

Sclerotherapy is suitable for most individuals with spider veins or small varicose veins. However, it’s not recommended for those who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. Our clinic will assess your suitability during a consultation.

Spider veins and varicose veins are both types of venous insufficiency, but they differ in appearance and severity. Spider veins are small, thin, and often red or blue, resembling spider webs. They are typically harmless and may appear on the face or legs. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger, swollen, and can be blue or dark purple. They often cause discomfort or pain and may lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

Common side effects include mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site, which typically resolve in a few days. In rare cases, more serious side effects like blood clots or allergic reactions can occur. We take every precaution to minimize risks.

After a treatment it is possible you will notice a light brown discoloration in the area of the treated vein. This is called hyperpigmentation. Typically, this fades over months but can take up to 12-18 months to fully resolve. In rare cases, the discoloration can be permanent.

For larger or more severe varicose veins, alternative treatments could include a vein ablation (such as radiofrequency or laser ablation) or cutting out the vein. We have extensive experience in this in order to recognize when an outside referral is necessary, and we have expert referral partners for cases where Sclerotherapy may not be the best option.

We currently do not accept insurance for our sclerotherapy treatments. However, we understand the importance of flexible payment options, and we gladly accept Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help make treatments more accessible. Please feel free to reach out to us for any questions regarding payment plans or options.