Is Sclerotherapy Right for You? What to Know Before Treatment

If you've been bothered by spider veins or small varicose veins on your legs, sclerotherapy may be the answer you've been looking for. It's one of the most commonly performed vein procedures in the United States — and for good reason. It's safe, effective, minimally invasive, and requires virtually no downtime.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure in which a specially formulated solution (called a sclerosant) is injected directly into an affected vein using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to swell shut. Over the following weeks, the treated vein gradually collapses, is reabsorbed by the body, and fades from view.

Sclerotherapy has been used in medicine for over 150 years and remains the gold standard for treating spider veins and reticular veins (medium-sized feeder veins).

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Sclerotherapy works best for: spider veins (small, web-like veins visible under the skin), reticular veins (slightly larger blue-green feeder veins), and small varicose veins. It is generally not recommended for very large varicose veins, which require procedures like radiofrequency ablation. Your vein specialist will evaluate you with a physical exam and often ultrasound imaging to determine if sclerotherapy is the right choice.

Good candidates are generally in overall good health and are not pregnant (pregnant women should wait until after delivery for elective vein treatment).

What to Expect During the Procedure

Sclerotherapy is performed right in our Arlington, TX office and typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the number of veins being treated. Here's what happens: You'll lie down comfortably and the treatment area will be cleaned. Using a very fine needle, your specialist will inject the sclerosant solution into each targeted vein. You may feel mild stinging or cramping for a few seconds after each injection. After the procedure, compression stockings or bandages are applied to help the veins close and reduce bruising.

Recovery and Results

Most patients return to normal activities the same day. You'll be asked to wear compression stockings for 1-2 weeks and avoid strenuous exercise and sun exposure for a short period. Walking is actually encouraged right after treatment to promote circulation.

You'll begin to see results within 3-6 weeks for spider veins, and 3-4 months for larger veins. Most patients need 2-4 treatment sessions for optimal results, spaced about a month apart. Studies show that sclerotherapy eliminates 50-80% of treated veins per session.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Sclerotherapy is very safe when performed by a trained specialist. Common, temporary side effects include: bruising at the injection site, temporary skin discoloration (brown streaks that fade over months), small red areas around the injection site, and mild swelling. Serious complications are rare but can include allergic reactions or blood clots, which your specialist will discuss with you beforehand.

Ready to Get Started?

At Total Vein & Vascular in Arlington, TX, our board-certified vein specialists have helped hundreds of patients in the DFW area restore the appearance and health of their legs with sclerotherapy. Whether you have cosmetic spider veins or symptomatic varicose veins, we'll create a customized treatment plan just for you. Call us at (469) 844-8070 or visit totalveinvascular.com to book your consultation.