Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, also known as spider vein treatment, involves the injection of a solution into each affect vein, causing the vein to collapse and fade. Most health insurance plans will not cover spider vein treatment, related complications or another procedure to revise the appearance of your legs.

Sclerotherapy is a good option if you are bothered by spider veins anywhere on your body, are committed to following your plastic surgeon’s prescribed course of treatment, and have a positive outlook and realistic goals for your spider vein treatment.¹

If the sclerotherapy candidate has the following contraindications, he/she should not receive the procedure:

• Pregnancy;
• Thrombophlebitis;
• Pulmonary emboli;
• Hypercoagulable states; and/or,
• Allergy to the sclerosing agents.²

3 (temporary discomfort)

Approximately $550³

It does not require anesthesia and usually takes 15–60 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of the veins.

After each spider vein treatment, you will notice improvement of your skin’s appearance; however, it is important to realize that new spider veins may surface in the future.

Because sclerotherapy is a medical treatment, prior to your initial treatment the medical spa should conduct you an in-person exam by either a doctor, a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Sclerotherapy is most typically performed by an MD, DO, PA or NP, although trained RN’s may also perform the procedure with oversight and supervision by a doctor. Please check with your local medical board, nursing board or health care attorney for more information.

The risks include:

• Swelling and bruising;
• Change in skin sensation;
• Infection;
• Hyperpigmentation;
• Ulceration;
• Scarring; and/or,
• Persistent pain.⁴

Within the first week, you may be instructed to wear support stockings for three to six weeks, and the treated sites will appear bruised. You will also be encouraged to walk around, and resume daily activities, besides any strenuous exercise. After two months, your vein treatment should have completed its healing.