Sclerotherapy

Vein Treatment FAQs

• What does sclerotherapy treat?

  Sclerotherapy treats all sizes of varicose veins and spider veins, but is most often used for small-to-medium-sized veins on the surface of the skin. Sclerotherapy can treat both small cosmetic spider veins and more symptomatic bulging or varicose veins.

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    What is Sclerotherapy?

    

    Written by Dr. Philip LoPresti

• What are the benefits of sclerotherapy?

  • Each session lasts just about 20–30 minutes, so you’ll be able to come in during your lunch break and go back to work right away.
  • There is little to no downtime following your procedure, so you won’t need to schedule time off.
  • Sclerotherapy is extremely safe, with very few, if any, side effects.
  • We can treat multiple veins in one visit.
  • Many patients see noticeable improvement before they even walk out the door of their first treatment—it’s that effective!

• Is sclerotherapy covered by insurance?

  Sclerotherapy may be covered by insurance depending on what type of vein concern it is treating. Sclerotherapy can be used both on bulging, painful varicose veins and on smaller spider veins. Varicose vein treatment is often covered by insurance as a medical concern, whereas spider vein treatment, when done by itself, is not often covered, as it is considered a cosmetic concern. As with other treatment options, many patients are surprised to learn that sclerotherapy is covered by insurance due to a vein disease diagnosis. So, if you have any symptoms in your legs, we always advise patients to come in for an ultrasound vein evaluation to determine if their vein treatment would be covered by insurance.

• How much does sclerotherapy cost?

  When used for spider vein removal, sclerotherapy costs $425 per session, with the number of sessions depending on the surface area treated, the size of the veins, and the darkness of the pigment in the spider veins. Sclerotherapy that is used only for spider veins is not covered by insurance, as they are considered a cosmetic concern. However, sclerotherapy is covered by insurance when used to treat smaller varicose veins that cause pain or discomfort. Sclerotherapy spider vein removal results are permanent, and it typically takes between one and three sessions to complete treatment.

• Why is sclerotherapy the preferred treatment for spider veins and varicose veins?

  Sclerotherapy provides patients with an effective, FDA-approved treatment for varicose and spider veins. Unlike many other vein treatments, it is minimally invasive. You can expect some small pinches in your affected legs, as you’re injected with the foam solution to target any damaged varicose. The needle used is extremely fine and you’ll be left with no scars. You’ll require no anesthesia, as you’ll be awake during the treatment — you may even want to watch, to see the results in action! Once the treatment is completed, you can leave the office and get back to your routine.

• Does sclerotherapy offer pain relief?

  Sclerotherapy provides impressive relief of pain and discomfort related to underperforming varicose veins. Characterized by painful, raised, or bumpy veins in your legs, varicose veins may also be a common, visible symptom of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A serious, chronic (long-term) condition, CVI can cause poor leg circulation, resulting in intense pain, bulging veins, leg ulcers, and numb and discolored legs, with these symptoms worsening over time.

  Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for CVI, and varicose veins, in general. It improves circulation, allowing blood to travel through healthy veins within your legs, and reduces your risks for further diseases and blood clots. You can also expect relief and elimination of pain in your legs.

• How many appointments will I need?

  While one appointment is sometimes enough to treat small clusters of spider veins in your leg, typical treatment plans—which are unique to each patient and their vascular health—range from 1–5 sessions, with 2–4 being average. Each session lasts just 20–30 minutes, and your appointments will be spaced several weeks apart for best results.

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• What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?

  Sclerotherapy may include temporary side effects at the site of the injection, such as:

  • bruising.
  • skin soreness or redness.
  • temporarily darkened skin.

  These minor issues usually go away within a few days or weeks. Rarely, some side effects may take up to a month to completely disappear.

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    4 Things to Expect from Sclerotherapy Treatment

    

    Written by Dr. Philip LoPresti

Book a free evaluation today to get started on your custom treatment plan in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, Arizona, or Pennsylvania.