Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

the vein to collapse, seal shut, and eventually fade from view as your body naturally reabsorbs it.

• Spider Veins (Telangiectasias): These are the very fine (<1mm diameter), thread-like red or blue veins that appear just beneath the skin’s surface.

• Reticular Veins: These are the slightly larger (1-3mm diameter), blue/purple “feeder” veins that lie deeper beneath the skin and are often the source of spider veins.

By treating both types, we can achieve more comprehensive and longer lasting results.

We do not inject veins that are larger than 3 mm. These are typically classified as varicose veins.

• Varicose Veins: These are veins that are >3 mm in diameter, which appear as thick, bulging, twisted, and often rope-like cords under the skin. They can cause medical symptoms such as aching, heaviness, cramping, and throbbing pain. These can be a sign of underlying medical conditions which should be further evaluated such as venous insufficiency.

What to Expect

Your sclerotherapy treatment is a quick, in-office procedure that typically lasts between 15-45 minutes. It does not require anesthesia, and most patients report only a mild stinging or cramping sensation during the injections.

Important Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions

To ensure the best possible results and minimize side effects, please follow these guidelines:

• Before Your Appointment:

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Please avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks prior to your treatment.

  • Skip Lotions: Do not apply any lotions, oils, or moisturizers to your legs on the day of your appointment.

• After Your Appointment:

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: It is critical to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks after your treatment. Sun exposure can cause post-treatment hyperpigmentation (brown spots) on the treated areas.

  • Wear Compression Stockings: We require the use of “graduated” compression stockings (at least  moderate support equivalent to 15-20mmHg) one week after your treatment. These stockings help compress the treated veins, ensuring they remain sealed for optimal results. These stockings are not yet available for purchase in office but may be purchased online or from medical device/uniform stores.

Underlying Vein Health

Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure designed to treat surface veins. If we suspect an underlying issue with your deeper veins, such as venous insufficiency, we may refer you to a vascular specialist for an evaluation and treatment of these issues before we proceed with sclerotherapy. Addressing the underlying cause first is essential for achieving the best long-term results.

Complimentary Laser

For a truly comprehensive approach to vein removal, we may recommend a combination of sclerotherapy and our state-of-the-art AdvaTx laser.

Sclerotherapy is highly effective for addressing the larger spider and reticular veins. However, for those very fine, thread-like vessels that may be too small to inject, or for pigmentation left behind, the AdvaTx laser provides a powerful and precise solution. The laser’s energy targets and collapses these tiny vessels, helping to reduce their appearance without damaging the surrounding skin.

By combining these two treatments, we can achieve a synergistic effect, treating veins of all sizes and helping you achieve clearer, more even-toned skin for optimal, lasting results.