Sclerotherapy is the most common procedure to treat varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to close before being absorbed into the body.
UPMC vein care specialists use the latest sclerotherapy techniques to provide personalized varicose and spider veins care.
Sclerotherapy diminishes varicose and spider veins by using tiny needle injections of medication that collapse the vein, which is later absorbed into the body.
In most cases of sclerotherapy, a salt solution is injected through a very fine needle directly into your vein. The solution irritates the lining of your blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together and your blood to clot. Over time, your vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.
There are two types of sclerotherapy, including:
Your doctor may recommend sclerotherapy for varicose or spider veins if:
You may be a candidate for sclerotherapy if you are in good health and your varicose or spider veins are causing symptoms, including:
Like all medical procedures, sclerotherapy comes with some risks, including:
Your doctor will explain the sclerotherapy procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:
On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that is performed in your doctor’s office, so you will go home the same day. However, because the procedure is performed using local anesthesia, you may experience some numbness, cramping, or tingling at the injection site. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
Sclerotherapy typically takes 15-30 minutes.
During your sclerotherapy procedure, your doctor will use a small needle to inject a foam or liquid solution into your vein.
The number of veins injected in one session varies and depends on the size and location of the veins, as well as your general medical condition. Sclerotherapy is performed in your doctor's office.
You may experience mild discomfort from the needle and cramping for 1-2 minutes, especially when larger veins are injected.
After the procedure, your treated vein(s) will no longer be able to fill with blood, forcing the blood to reroute through healthier veins.
You can resume normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy. However, you should avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks. To prevent blood clots, you will wear compression socks or bandages for several days or weeks following the procedure.
You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. Milder effects, such as itching, can last for one or two days after the procedure. You may also experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection site, lasting several days or weeks.
The same vein may need to be treated more than once. Treatments are usually done every four to six weeks.
Sclerotherapy closes off your vein so it can no longer fill with blood, causing it to eventually disappear. As a result, sclerotherapy is considered a permanent treatment for varicose and spider veins.
You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
Sclerotherapy effectively treats varicose and spider veins, delivering outstanding cosmetic results and symptom relief.
Sclerotherapy is successful for 75 to 90% of people. However, large veins may require multiple treatments. People whose varicose and spider veins do not respond to sclerotherapy, or whose veins return, may need another type of treatment, such as ablation or surgery.
Our vein specialists are among the most experienced in the region and provide comprehensive varicose and spider vein treatment. They use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to treat varicose and spider veins and deliver outstanding cosmetic results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
