If you’ve been living with uncomfortable or unsightly leg veins, chances are you’ve considered vein treatment but are unsure about the time commitment, recovery, and costs. Whether you’re dealing with the fine, web-like spider veins or the bulging, twisted varicose veins, many people hesitate to seek help because of misconceptions about the treatment process. One highly effective solution, sclerotherapy, is often misunderstood. Even though this minimally invasive procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of problem veins and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, many myths persist about it.
In this blog, we’ll separate fact from fiction to help you better understand this safe, effective, office-based treatment option and determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat both spider veins and varicose veins. It involves injecting a special solution, known as a sclerosant, directly into the affected vein. This causes the vein to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body, improving both the appearance of the veins and relieving uncomfortable symptoms like leg pain and swelling.
There are two main types of sclerotherapy procedure types:
Since it requires no anesthesia or downtime, patients can resume normal activities immediately, though complete results may take a few weeks to appear.
An ultrasound machine helps the doctor deliver the sclerosant foam precisely where it's needed. The treatment costs less than surgery, requires no hospital stay, and allows for a quicker return to normal activities. While you can walk immediately after the procedure, we advise taking it easy for a day or two and avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period to ensure proper healing.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our expert vein doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating both the cosmetic and medical aspects of vein disease. With years of experience, our 77+ board-certified specialists nationwide are dedicated to improving your leg health and quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to see how our team can help you feel your best.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
One of the most common myths about sclerotherapy is that it's purely a cosmetic procedure. While it's true that many people seek treatment to reduce the appearance of unsightly veins, sclerotherapy is also a medical treatment for vein disease, also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).CVI is when the veins in your legs struggle to send blood back to your heart
Varicose veins can be a sign that you have chronic venous insufficiency.
Left untreated, venous insufficiency can lead to pain, swelling, skin changes, and even leg and foot ulcers. Treating varicose veins with a procedure like ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms, improving not just the appearance of your veins but also your overall leg health.
Many patients are concerned that sclerotherapy is a painful procedure. In reality, most patients describe the experience as pain-free or only mildly uncomfortable. You may feel a small pinch or slight burning sensation during the injection, but this discomfort typically subsides quickly. The procedure is done in-office and requires no anesthesia, and most people can return to normal activities the same day.
The discomfort is minimal and short-lived. The Mayo Clinic notes that patients may experience mild side effects, such as bruising or redness at the injection site, but these typically resolve within a few days.
Another misconception is that sclerotherapy can only treat small spider veins, not larger varicose veins. While visual sclerotherapy is primarily used for smaller veins, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy can be highly effective for larger or deeper varicose veins.
The foam sclerosant used in this method allows for better coverage of the vein, ensuring the entire vein wall is exposed to the solution, which helps it close off properly. This technique is particularly beneficial for treating veins that aren’t visible on the surface of the skin. With the assistance of ultrasound imaging, the physician can precisely target the vein, ensuring a successful outcome.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) highlights sclerotherapy as a minimally invasive and effective treatment for varicose veins, spider veins, and telangiectasias (small, dilated blood vessels that appear on the skin as red, blue, or purple lines). It provides both cosmetic improvement and symptom relief.
Further, the study showed patients experience reduced vein visibility and relief from venous insufficiency symptoms such as pain and swelling, leading to better vascular health and enhanced quality of life. The procedure is versatile, can be performed on an outpatient basis, and requires little to no recovery time. The study concludes that advances in sclerosing agents and techniques have further improved the safety and effectiveness of this treatment for managing venous varicosities (that is, varicose veins).
Some (mistakenly!) believe that sclerotherapy requires a long downtime or recovery period. In truth, one of the major advantages of sclerotherapy is its minimal recovery time. Most patients can resume their normal activities, including work and light exercise, immediately after the procedure. Patients can drive themselves to and from appointments at Center for Vein Restoration.
It’s often recommended that compression stockings be worn for a few days to promote healing and improve circulation, but this is typically the extent of post-procedure care. Walking is encouraged, and strenuous activities can usually be resumed within a few days.
While sclerotherapy is highly effective in treating existing veins, it doesn’t prevent new veins from developing. Spider veins and varicose veins are often caused by underlying venous insufficiency, so new veins can form over time. Risk factors for developing venous insufficiency include:
That said, treated veins are unlikely to return, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting, can help prevent future vein problems.
If you’re considering sclerotherapy, it’s important to choose a reputable vein doctor who can provide expert care and tailor the treatment to your needs. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is the nation’s largest physician-led vein center, and our team of vein experts specializes in both visual sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.
As leaders in vein care research and treatment, CVR is committed to delivering the highest quality care for patients with spider veins, varicose veins, and other vein problems.
Don’t let vein disease go untreated. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a vein specialist and start your journey to healthier, more comfortable legs.
Ready to learn more about how sclerotherapy can help you? Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers advanced treatment options for both cosmetic and medical vein concerns. Whether you’re struggling with leg pain, swelling, or unsightly veins, our team of experts is here to help. With decades of experience and a commitment to cutting-edge care, we are the leading vein treatment center in the country.
Visit us today to schedule your appointment and reclaim your leg health. Call 240-965-3915 to find your nearest CVR vein clinic or make an appointment online now!
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