Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy treats spider veins by using a sclerosing solution that causes the vein to scar, damaging it to the point where the blood is forced to reroute to healthier veins. Over time, the treated vein turns to scar tissue and is reabsorbed into surrounding tissue, eventually fading until nothing visible remains. 

Yes – Sclerotherapy is an excellent varicose vein treatment. For varicose veins, we often recommend consultation with a vascular surgeon to explore all treatment options. At your initial consultation, your doctor will suggest a personalized treatment plan that delivers the best possible outcomes.

Absolutely. Sclerotherapy has been used to successfully treat spider veins and varicose veins for about ninety years. Furthermore, our team of certified and licensed physicians are highly trained and experienced in administering this cosmetic procedure to achieve the best possible results. 

It’s important to note that there are some minor risks associated with the procedure, especially for those who have a history of blood clots, so your doctor will want to discuss your unique risk factors with you to ensure you make an informed decision when determining if this cosmetic treatment is right for you.

While sclerotherapy side effects are minor, there is a risk that you may experience the following at your injection site: 

These side effects typically go away within a few weeks. Also, choosing a licensed and experienced professional to administer your sclerotherapy injections reduces the risk of having unwanted side effects. 

Generally, sclerotherapy is not painful. You may experience some temporary discomfort and a slight pinch during the injections, but previous sclerotherapy patients have told us that it is highly manageable and worth the end result. 

Since sclerotherapy permanently damages and eliminates spider and varicose veins, the results should last a lifetime. However, it’s important to understand that more spider and varicose veins can develop after your procedure, so you may need follow-up appointments after to maintain your initial sclerotherapy results. 

In some people, the treated spider and varicose vein will look worse immediately following the procedure. However, any discoloration from the procedure should fade within a couple of months. 

Generally, most of our sclerotherapy patients resume their normal day-to-day activities after the procedure, but it may be wise to have someone drive you home. Your doctor may recommend you avoid strenuous activities to ensure you do not experience any complications or alter your results. 

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, our board-certified providers recommend wearing compression stockings during waking hours for at least two weeks following the procedure to aid in healing and efficacy of treatment. 

In most cases, sclerotherapy is not covered by insurance, as this procedure is considered elective and not medically necessary. However, healthcare coverage varies depending on your individual plan. 

We recommend that you consult with your insurance provider to better understand what cosmetic treatments are covered under your healthcare plan before scheduling a sclerotherapy treatment in Westerville, Ohio.