What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the appearance of spider veins and reticular veins, the fine red, purple, and blue vessels that often show through the skin surface of the legs. Spider veins and varicose veins affect roughly 30 to 60 percent of adults. Genetics play the largest role, and visible veins tend to become more prominent with aging, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and jobs that keep you on your feet for long hours.
During this medical procedure, your provider uses a very fine needle to inject small amounts of a sclerosing solution directly into each vein in the targeted area. The solution irritates the inner lining of the vein walls, causing the vessel to collapse on itself and close. Over the following weeks, the body gradually absorbs the treated veins, while blood flow continues through healthy veins beneath the skin. The result is smoother, clearer-looking legs without surgery or anesthesia.
Why Choose UnionDerm for Spider Vein Treatment?
Treating spider veins successfully depends on more than the injection itself. It requires a clear understanding of vein anatomy, an eye for which vessels will respond best, and the judgment to know when a combination approach will deliver a better outcome. At UnionDerm, every patient begins with a consultation and leaves with a personalized treatment plan built around the size, color, and location of their veins.
Certain red and blue veins also respond well to light-based therapy. When both large and small vessels are present on the legs, our physicians often pair sclerotherapy with vascular laser treatments for the most complete improvement. This combination approach is one of the reasons our patients see such consistent results from their vein treatment.
UnionDerm is home to an active clinical research department and an ASDS Fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology, which keeps our team current on evidence-based techniques. You can learn more about the experience behind your care when you meet our doctors.
What to Expect During the Sclerotherapy Procedure
Sclerotherapy is easy to perform in the office, and no anesthesia is required. To begin, the skin surface over the targeted area is cleansed. Your provider then injects the solution into each vein using a very fine needle, working methodically across the leg. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch or mild sting with each injection.
The length of your appointment will depend on how many veins are being treated. Once your session is complete, you can get up, walk around, and head back to your day.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
One of the most common questions we hear is how many treatments it will take to clear visible veins. The answer depends on the number, size, and depth of the veins being addressed. Our patients get the best results from a series of treatment sessions, spaced several weeks apart to give the body time to absorb the treated veins between visits.
Smaller spider veins often fade within a few weeks, while larger vessels can take a few months to fully resolve. Most patients can see visible improvement within 2-4 weeks after treatment. Because new veins can develop with age, many patients return for occasional maintenance sessions to keep their legs looking clear over time.
Recovery and Aftercare
Sclerotherapy offers minimal downtime, and most patients return to work and their normal routine the same day. Walking is encouraged after treatment, as it helps keep blood moving through healthy veins.
Your provider may recommend wearing a compression stocking for about one week after your session to support the treated veins as they close. You may also be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, and prolonged sun exposure for a short period. Mild bruising, redness, or small raised areas at the injection sites are common and typically fade within a few days.
What Areas Does Sclerotherapy Treat?
Sclerotherapy is used to treat spider veins and reticular veins on the legs, including:
- Thighs
- Backs of the knees
- Calves
- Ankles
Schedule a Consultation
If you are bothered by spider veins or visible veins on your legs, UnionDerm can help. Learn more about the causes of spider veins on the legs, then schedule your consultation with one of our skilled physicians to build a personalized treatment plan for clearer, smoother legs.
