Sclerotherapy for Spider and Varicose Veins
Spider and varicose veins affect approximately half of all women and nearly as many men at some point in their lives. While visible veins don’t necessarily indicate a serious medical problem, their presence may keep you from wearing shorts, skirts, and bathing suits during the warm weather season. Some people also experience uncomfortable symptoms with their spider and varicose veins, such as itching, burning, and even bleeding.
Our team of board-certified vascular doctors at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists offers sclerotherapy, an injectable treatment that has proven effective in targeting spider and smaller varicose veins. The procedure is quick and virtually painless, and patients typically see positive results after a single treatment session.
Sclerotherapy for spider veins is one of today’s most common vein treatment options. It has been used successfully for decades and is considered a safe and effective way to eliminate visible veins and restore healthy blood flow without surgery, significant discomfort, or downtime.
What is Sclerotherapy?
A sclerotherapy treatment eliminates spider and smaller varicose veins. A sclerosing solution known as Asclera is injected into affected veins using a very fine needle, which causes the vein to seal closed. The sclerosed vein collapses and is absorbed by the body naturally over time, disappearing from view. Blood reroutes through healthy veins nearby, improving circulation while producing a positive cosmetic effect.
In addition to treating the appearance of spider veins, sclerotherapy can also relieve uncomfortable symptoms such as:
- Heaviness
- Achiness
- Swelling
- Stinging
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Restless leg syndrome
Symptoms often worsen at night and may improve if you elevate your feet and legs for some time. These symptoms may be a sign of an underlying condition known as venous reflux, which occurs when veins in the lower leg are damaged and can’t move blood back to the heart as efficiently. If you suffer from any of these side effects of spider and varicose veins, sclerotherapy could also help relieve the symptoms.
What Are the Risks of Sclerotherapy?
When an experienced, board-certified vascular doctor performs your sclerotherapy treatment, the risks associated with the procedure are minimal.
Those risks are usually temporary and might include:
- Bruising or redness around the injection sites
- Skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation
We instruct patients to wear compression stockings for one week after treatment. These medical-grade socks encourage healthy blood flow in the lower legs, which reduces swelling, promotes healing in the treatment area, and lowers your risk for blood clots. Compression stockings also relieve uncomfortable symptoms associated with spider and varicose veins.
How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?
Insurance often covers at least a portion of the cost of sclerotherapy when it is considered medically necessary. If insurance coverage is not available, Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists offer this treatment at a competitive cost. We will come up with a customized treatment plan and discuss all your related costs upfront so you don’t have any surprises on your bill.
Pricing will also be influenced by the number of veins to be treated and whether additional procedures will be done at the same time. Compression stockings or other support before and after your treatment will also be factored into the final cost of your treatment.
If spider or varicose veins cause you distress, help is available. Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists features more offices throughout Southern California and a full menu of vein treatments to accommodate every patient’s needs and goals. We offer free ultrasound screenings and accept most insurance. If your treatment is advised for medical reasons, you may be covered for all or part of your procedure.
Don’t suffer with those visible veins any longer. Contact Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists today to discover which treatment option is the right one for you.