Sclerotherapy
Spider Vein Treatment
We specialize in enhancing your natural beauty while ensuring your health and well-being. One of the advanced treatments we offer is Sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Whether you're looking to improve the appearance of your legs or relieve discomfort from problematic veins, our expert team is here to help.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy works by injecting a specialized solution (Asclera®) directly into the targeted vein. This solution irritates the vein’s inner lining, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the treated vein is naturally reabsorbed by the body and blood flow is redirected to healthier veins, resulting in a clearer and more even skin appearance. Asclera® is a gentle yet effective prescription medication containing polidocanol, known for its ability to treat spider and reticular veins with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Sclerotherapy is ideal for patients who are looking to treat thin (<1mm), web-like spider veins that appear close to the surface of the skin, often on the legs. If you want to restore smooth, youthful-looking skin, sclerotherapy could be the perfect solution for you.
The Treatment
Your appointment begins with a consultation and assessment of your veins to ensure you’re a good candidate for Sclerotherapy. Then, during treatment:
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The skin is cleansed and prepared.
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Asclera® is carefully injected into the visible veins using a fine needle by a Nurse Practitioner.
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The procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and number of veins addressed.
You may notice mild redness or slight swelling immediately after treatment, which subsides within a few days as your veins begin to fade. Rest and compression stockings are recommended to support healing and optimize results.
Results and Recovery
Sclerotherapy requires little to no downtime, allowing you to resume most activities the same day. To ensure optimal healing and results, we recommend:
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Wearing compression stockings for several days following treatment to promote circulation.
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Avoiding high-impact exercise, hot baths, and direct sun exposure for 24–48 hours.
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Keeping treated areas clean and moisturized, and avoiding harsh exfoliation for one week.
Improvements are typically visible within 3–6 weeks for smaller veins and up to 3 months for larger ones.
Risks and Side Effects
Sclerotherapy is a well-tolerated and low-risk procedure when performed by a trained provider. Possible side effects may include:
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Mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
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Temporary skin discoloration or darkening along the treated vein
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Itching or mild irritation for a few days post-treatment
Rare complications, such as allergic reaction, inflammation, or blood clot formation, are extremely uncommon but will be discussed during your consultation.
Experience the Essential Difference
At Essential, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our providers combine precision, expertise, and a gentle touch to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results that help you love your skin again.
FAQ
How long does each sclerotherapy session take?
The treatment is booked in 60 minute sessions. During that time, we will address as many veins as possible.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
The procedure involves injecting a solution with a very fine needle. Some patients report mild discomfort or a slight stinging sensation, but most find it to be very tolerable. Our team takes every measure to ensure your comfort during the treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the veins and your desired results. Many patients require 1 to 3 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.
When will I see results?
You can start to see visible improvements within 3 to 6 weeks for smaller veins. Larger veins and bruising may take up to 3-4 months to fade completely.
Are the results of sclerotherapy permanent?
Once treated veins collapse and are reabsorbed by the body, they will not reappear. However, new veins may develop over time and some veins may not be as responsive to treatment. Follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain or achieve desired results.
Is sclerotherapy safe for everyone?
Sclerotherapy is safe for most people, but it may not be suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions. A consultation with our medical team will help determine if this treatment is right for you.
Does insurance cover sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy for cosmetic purposes, such as treating spider veins, is usually not covered by insurance.
At Essential, we combine medical expertise with luxurious care to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized treatments tailored to your specific needs, using the latest techniques to ensure optimal results.
What should I avoid after sclerotherapy?After the procedure, we recommend avoiding intense physical activity, hot baths, and sun exposure for a few days. Compression stockings are often advised to enhance healing and improve results for 2 weeks. While this treatment requires minimal downtime, we do recommend rest, compression and elevation for as much as possible following treatment.