Sclerotherapy Treats Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical, injection-based therapy that improves the appearance of varicose veins in the legs. The procedure involves the injection of a solution into spider veins (smaller, red-purple in color), and reticular veins (larger, blue-green), causing disruption to the internal lining of the vein. A very fine needle is used to inject the sclerosing solution into the vein with only very minimal discomfort. Most of our patients tend to describe the discomfort as mildly “annoying” rather than painful.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
The sclerotherapy solution works by forming a fibrous clot, with the vein eventually being eliminated through the body’s own healing process. This procedure also helps prevent the recurrence or reappearance of spider veins by treating the nearby “feeder” veins.
What Should I Expect During and After the Procedure?
During your initial consultation, your legs will be examined thoroughly. While many patients present with uncomplicated leg veins, occasionally, patients may be referred to a specialist, known as a phlebologist, for a complete evaluation, including an ultrasound exam. The sclerotherapy treatment usually takes approximately 30 minutes. This is followed by placement of compression dressings if needed. In some cases, support stockings are recommended for up to one week after each treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
It is normal for the treated area to look worse before improvement is seen. Support stockings are used to reduce cosmetic downtime, improve healing times, and prevent recurrence of small vessels after treatment. After your initial sclerotherapy treatment, the treated veins will fade in appearance within a few weeks, but often it may take up to a month to see full results. Multiple treatments are usually required to achieve the desired outcome. Treatments are spaced 6 weeks or more apart to allow complete resolution of the veins treated during the previous session.
Sclerotherapy: Pre-Treatment Recommendations
- If possible, prior to treatment, avoid anticoagulant medications, including Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Aspirin.
- Avoid alcohol prior to treatment to reduce bruising.
- Avoid sun exposure prior to treatment for at least 3-4 weeks and for an additional 4-6 weeks after treatment.
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Sclerotherapy Post-Treatment
First 48 Hours
It’s important to wear your compression stockings for an entire week following your treatment to support proper healing and minimize swelling. During the first 48 hours, the stockings should be worn continuously, removing them only once a day for a brief, lukewarm shower. After this initial period, you should continue to wear the stockings each morning when you wake up and remove them at bedtime. To keep them clean, wash the stockings daily with a gentle detergent and let them air dry overnight—avoid using a dryer, as heat may damage the material. For the first 24 to 48 hours after each session, avoid strenuous or aerobic exercise, though gentle walking is recommended to promote healing and circulation. During this time, also avoid hot baths or showers and opt instead for quick, lukewarm showers to prevent irritation and support proper recovery.
1 Week Later
After the first week, patients who spend long hours standing or walking are encouraged to continue wearing the stockings during those times to maintain circulation and comfort. It’s normal to experience some itching after treatment, which typically subsides within a few hours. Applying a cool pack or a soothing gel can help relieve any temporary irritation or discomfort.
Long-Term Results
To protect your skin and optimize your results, avoid direct sun exposure for at least four to six weeks after treatment. If exposure is unavoidable, apply a physical sunblock that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Unprotected sun exposure can darken or prolong post-treatment pigmentation, making it more noticeable and slower to fade.
Some bruising is expected and usually lasts about two to three weeks. This may be followed by mild pigmentation that can persist for several weeks or, in some cases, a few months. Your provider will review this with you and help plan your future treatments accordingly.
Who Performs The Sclerotherapy Procedure?
The sclerotherapy procedure is performed by Jennifer Fick, FNP-C, CANS, a Board Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is on hand to consult in more complex cases if necessary.
