Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a proven medical procedure for eliminating spider veins and smaller varicose veins. A solution is injected directly into the vein, which then gradually fades from view, helping you feel confident in shorts, skirts and swimwear again.
How it works
Using a very fine needle, a medical solution (called a sclerosant) is injected directly into the unwanted vein.
The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the closed vessel turns into scar tissue that your body absorbs, and it fades from view.
Blood that once flowed through the vein is naturally rerouted through healthier veins.
What it treats
- Spider veins: small red, blue or purple veins near the skin's surface
- Smaller varicose veins
- Veins on the thighs, calves, ankles and behind the knees
- Aching, heaviness or burning associated with small veins, which often improves after treatment
Larger varicose veins may need further evaluation, such as an ultrasound, before treatment. We'll advise you at your consultation.
What to expect
- Initial consultationBefore sclerotherapy, you'll have an initial consultation with us. We'll examine your veins, review your health history, and decide whether you're a good candidate for the procedure.
- TreatmentYou'll lie comfortably while the solution is injected into each vein with a very fine needle. You may feel small pricks or mild cramping for a moment. Several veins can be treated in one session.
- Right afterCompression stockings or wraps are usually applied, and you're encouraged to walk. Most people return to normal daily activities the same day.
- The following weeksSpider veins typically fade within 3–6 weeks; larger veins can take a few months. Temporary bruising or small raised areas at the injection sites are normal and fade.
- Follow-up sessionsMany patients need more than one session for the best result, usually spaced several weeks apart. Treated veins don't come back, though new ones can develop over time.
Before your treatment
- Tell us about all medications, especially blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Let us know if you're pregnant, or have a history of blood clots
- Don't apply lotion to your legs on the day of treatment
- Bring loose, comfortable clothing (shorts are ideal) and your compression stockings if you have them
Aftercare
- Wear compression stockings as directed
- Walk regularly to keep blood flowing
- Avoid hot baths, hot tubs and saunas for about 48 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a few days
- Protect treated areas from the sun to help prevent darkening
Frequently asked questions
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients find it very tolerable. The needle is very fine; you may feel brief pricks, a mild stinging or cramping as the solution is injected. No anesthesia is needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how many veins you have and their size. Some patients see great results after one session, while others need two or more, spaced several weeks apart.
Is it permanent?
Treated veins are closed and absorbed by the body, so they don't return. However, new spider veins can develop over time, especially with genetics, pregnancy or long periods of standing, and occasional touch-up treatments can address them.
Are there side effects?
Common, temporary effects include bruising, redness, small raised areas, and brownish lines or spots at the injection sites, which usually fade over weeks to months. Rarely, tiny new red vessels may appear nearby. Serious complications such as blood clots are rare; we'll review your risk factors at your consultation.
Who is a good candidate?
Most healthy adults with spider veins or small varicose veins are good candidates. Sclerotherapy isn't recommended during pregnancy or for people with certain clotting conditions. Your initial consultation will determine whether it's right for you.
This page is for general information and isn't medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary by person and are determined at your consultation.
Ready for clearer, smoother legs?
Schedule your consultation with our experienced medical team.