Smooth the appearance of unwanted spider veins.
Sclerotherapy is a proven treatment for reducing the appearance of unwanted spider veins and reticular veins. It can also help alleviate symptoms sometimes associated with spider veins, including aching, tenderness, throbbing, itching and restless legs.
During treatment, an FDA-approved medication called a sclerosant is injected directly into the unwanted blood vessel. The medication irritates the inside lining of the vessel, causing it to collapse. Over time, the treated vessel becomes nonviable and is naturally absorbed and cleared by the body.
What Can Sclerotherapy Treat?
Sclerotherapy can effectively treat:
- Spider veins (telangiectasias): Very small, visible blood vessels near the surface of the skin.
- Reticular veins: Larger veins that may appear blue or green and can sometimes be associated with spider veins.
During your initial consultation, your veins will be evaluated and a personalized treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs.
Your Sclerotherapy Consultation
An in-person consultation is required before your first treatment. Your 30-minute consultation will include an evaluation of your veins and photographs to help determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Your provider will discuss your concerns, evaluate the areas you would like treated and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your sclerotherapy treatment appointment will be approximately 40 minutes.
During your appointment:
- You will be comfortably positioned sitting or lying down.
- The treatment area will be cleansed with alcohol.
- A very small needle will be used to inject the sclerosant into the targeted veins.
- You may experience a brief, mild burning sensation at the injection site.
- After treatment, aloe with hydrocortisone will be applied to the injection sites.
- The treated area will be wrapped with compression to support the healing process.
You may resume normal daily activities following treatment.
Be Patient With Your Body
Sclerotherapy is a process, and results develop gradually as your body naturally clears the treated vessels.
Most patients require 3–5 treatments, typically spaced 1–2 weeks apart, although the number of treatments needed varies from person to person. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled approximately 4 weeks after your final treatment.
It’s important to know that treated veins can initially look worse before they look better. Bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness and discoloration can occur following treatment. Discoloration may take several weeks to several months to completely fade.
In some cases, temporary tiny blood vessels may develop around the treated area. This is known as revascularization, flares, mats or blushing. These may appear days or weeks after treatment and typically fade within a few months.
Sclerotherapy Before Your Appointment
Please follow these guidelines before your treatment:
- Bring loose-fitting shorts, a skirt or dress to your appointment; wearing one is preferred.
- Purchase compression stockings for post-treatment care.
- Do not apply lotions or other cosmetics to your legs on the day of treatment.
- Do not shave your legs the morning of your appointment. Shaving 1–2 days prior is preferred.
- Do not tan or use bottled tanning lotions for 1–2 weeks before or after treatment.
Compression Stockings
Your provider will recommend the appropriate level of compression for your needs:
- Light support: 4–14 mmHg
- Moderate support: 15–20 mmHg
- Heavy support: 20–30 mmHg
After Sclerotherapy
Some temporary side effects are normal following treatment, including bruising, redness, localized swelling, tenderness and discoloration. These symptoms may take 3–5 weeks or longer to fade.
Follow these post-treatment guidelines:
- Keep compression on continuously for the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove compression and dressings and shower. Use cooler-than-normal water.
- Wear support hose/compression during the daytime for one week.
- Do not apply hot compresses or other forms of heat to treated areas for one week.
- Avoid public swimming pools, tanning beds, soaking baths and hot tubs for one week.
- Normal daily activities may be resumed the day of treatment.
- Exercise may be resumed after 3 days. Avoid leg weights for one week.
- If treated areas are tender, Motrin or Aleve may be taken according to the recommended dosage on the package.
In some cases, a small ulcer from the medication may develop, typically 7–10 days after treatment. If this occurs, contact our office for further instructions.
Tips for Healthy Legs
Supporting healthy circulation can help reduce leg aching, pain and tiredness.
Stay Active
Walking, running, stair climbing, aerobics, swimming, elliptical training and biking for approximately 30 minutes, 5–7 days per week can help support healthy leg circulation.
Elevate Your Legs
Elevating your legs above heart level for at least 10 minutes once or twice daily may help reduce aching and swelling.
Move Frequently
Flex your ankles regularly when sitting or standing, and take short walking breaks throughout the day.
Avoid High Heels
High heels can interfere with the natural pumping action of the calf muscles that helps circulate blood through the legs.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce leg discomfort and the development of spider veins.
Wear Graduated Compression
Graduated compression stockings can help support healthy vein function. Your provider can recommend the appropriate compression level for you.
Sclerotherapy Pricing
$400 per treatment
Meet Your Sclerotherapy Providers
Sclerotherapy is currently performed at Coachlight by Jess Moore and Heather Walker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Treat Your Spider Veins?
Schedule your Sclerotherapy Consultation at Coachlight Clinic & Spa to determine whether sclerotherapy is right for you.
Additional Clinic Treatments
What People Are Saying
Coachlight is known as a destination of beauty and wellness and Iowa’s top medical aesthetic provider, serving guests with Des Moines Plastic Surgery for over 15 years.
