Unsightly veins can affect your confidence and make you feel self-conscious about showing your legs or wearing certain clothing. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for treating spider veins and smaller varicose veins, helping you improve both your appearance and comfort. By addressing these damaged veins, sclerotherapy enhances blood flow, reduces discoloration, and alleviates symptoms like cramping. At our practice in Naples and Fort Myers, we specialize in providing this safe, effective varicose and spider vein treatment for a variety of concerns.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, thin blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. They’re often red, blue, or purple and resemble a web or branch-like pattern. These veins are typically harmless but can cause self-consciousness due to their visibility, especially on the legs or face.
Common causes of spider veins include:
- Genetics
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Hormonal changes
- Sun damage
- Injury or
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Spider Veins
Cleveland Clinic
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trauma
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common sign of vein disease, often caused by weakened or damaged valves within the veins. This condition, known as venous insufficiency, prevents proper circulation, leading to bulging veins, swelling, and symptoms like cramping or discomfort. Treating vein disease early can improve both your well-being and the appearance of your legs.
Signs of varicose veins include:
- Aching, throbbing, or cramping in the legs
- Itching or burning around the veins
- Swelling in the lower limbs
- Changes in skin texture or color around the
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Varicose Veins
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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veins
Varicose veins can also affect circulation and may worsen over time if untreated.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for addressing venous insufficiency and vein disease in smaller varicose veins and spider veins. By injecting a solution like Asclera (polidocanol) into the affected vein, the procedure helps redirect blood flow to healthier
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Sclerotherapy
Mayo Clinic
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blood vessels
, reducing symptoms and improving the appearance of the legs.
This procedure is an effective treatment for:
- Spider veins
- Smaller varicose veins
- Symptoms like cramping or swelling
Results vary based on the severity of the condition, but many patients achieve their desired results after just a few sessions.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is an effective solution for a variety of vein issues, including spider veins, bulging veins, and symptoms like swelling or cramping. This targeted treatment improves the appearance of your leg veins while enhancing circulation and overall well-being. Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there is little to no downtime, and most patients can return to their normal activities the same day. Sclerotherapy is also versatile, making it a great option for addressing cosmetic concerns as well as mild cases of vein disease.
Preparing for Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
Your first step toward smoother, healthier legs begins with a consultation with our board-certified Physician Assistant, Christina Espineta. During this appointment, Christina will evaluate your spider veins or varicose veins, discuss your goals, and determine the best treatment options for you. She will also answer any questions you have about the procedure and what to expect.
Proper preparation can improve your experience and results. Here’s how to get ready:
- Avoid applying lotion or oils to the treatment area on the day of your appointment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your session.
- Arrange for compression stockings if recommended post-treatment.
The Sclerotherapy Procedure
Sclerotherapy is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. During the procedure, a fine needle is used to inject a sclerosing agent, such as polidocanol, directly into the affected blood vessels. This solution causes the damaged veins to collapse, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. The process typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the size and number of veins being treated. Many patients report only mild discomfort during the injections, often described as a slight pinprick.
Sclerotherapy Recovery & Results
Recovery after sclerotherapy is quick, with minimal downtime. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. However, some post-treatment care is essential:
- Wear compression stockings if advised by your provider.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days.
- Temporary redness, swelling, or discoloration is normal and fades within weeks.
Sclerotherapy Results
Results from sclerotherapy develop gradually as your body absorbs the treated veins. Many patients notice initial improvements, such as reduced discoloration and smoother skin, within a few weeks. However, it can take several months to see the full effects, especially for larger damaged veins or areas with multiple treatments. While individual results vary, most patients achieve their desired results after 2–4 sessions. Over time, treated veins fade, leaving your legs looking clearer and more even-toned. To maintain your results, it’s important to follow any post-treatment care recommendations provided by your doctor.
In a
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Microfoam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of varicose veins in 100 legs
Barrett JM, Allen B, Ockelford A, Goldman MP
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scientific survey
, 100% of patients who underwent sclerotherapy were satisfied with the results, and 90% of the patients reported improved quality of life after treating uncomfortable and unsightly leg veins.
The number of sessions varies. Most patients require 2–4 treatments to achieve their desired results.
Yes, sclerotherapy is safe for most skin types, though results may vary depending on the severity of the veins.
Sclerotherapy is most commonly used for leg veins, including spider veins and smaller varicose veins, but it can also be effective on veins in other areas, depending on your needs.
The procedure is minimally uncomfortable, often compared to a pinprick. Any mild discomfort is temporary.
There’s little to no downtime. You can resume normal activities immediately but should avoid intense exercise for a few days.
Yes, sclerotherapy is effective for smaller bulging veins, especially in cases of mild venous insufficiency. Larger veins may require other treatment options.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to address spider veins, varicose veins, or other vein concerns, we’re here to help. Our practice serving patients from Naples and Fort Myers offers personalized care to deliver the best results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable legs.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Spider Veins. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24567-spider-veins. Accessed November 21, 2024.
2 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Varicose Veins. Available: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/varicose-veins. Accessed November 21, 2024.
3 Mayo Clinic. Sclerotherapy. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sclerotherapy/about/pac-20384592. Accessed November 24, 2024.
4 Barrett JM, Allen B, Ockelford A, Goldman MP. Microfoam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of varicose veins in 100 legs. Dermatol Surg. 2004 Jan;30(1):6-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30008.x. PMID: 14692919. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14692919/. Accessed November 21, 2024.
The Doctors at Naples Aesthetic Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.