Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider and Reticular Veins
At USA Vein Clinics, our doctors use visual sclerotherapy to treat spider veins and reticular veins. Sclerotherapy vein treatment is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure that can improve the appearance of your legs and relieve symptoms associated with vein disease, including swelling, aching, and stiffness.
Compared to surgery, sclerotherapy spider vein treatment is less expensive and less painful. It’s also highly effective — in clinical studies, sclerotherapy has a success rate of 90% or more. At our vein clinics, we’re able to achieve even better results thanks to the expertise of our vein specialists and our focus on treating vein disease using advanced non-surgical procedures.
What Is Sclerotherapy, and What Type of Vein Issues Can It Help With?
Sclerotherapy is the leading medical treatment for eliminating visible veins. It works by closing diseased veins, preventing blood from pooling. The damaged veins collapse and fade over time, while the healthy veins take over blood circulation.
Visual sclerotherapy, also known as injection sclerotherapy, can help with spider veins and reticular veins.
Spider veins are visible clusters of reddish, purplish veins on the thighs, calves, and ankles. They appear below the surface of the skin and — unlike varicose veins — aren’t raised or bumpy. Spider veins have a diameter of 1 mm or less.
Reticular veins are another type of issue caused by vein disease (also known as venous insufficiency). They fall on the spectrum between spider veins and varicose veins.
As with varicose veins, reticular veins are enlarged purplish or bluish veins. But they don’t twist or bulge like varicose veins, and they are also smaller — reticular veins range from 2 mm to 4 mm in diameter.
Like spider veins, they are caused by damaged veins closer to the skin’s surface. You might notice reticular veins on your inner thighs, behind your knees, or near your ankles.
And, as with spider veins, you might notice other symptoms of venous insufficiency if you have reticular veins, such as numbness or tingling in the legs, leg pain, and heaviness.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
During a sclerotherapy treatment, a doctor injects a sterile solution — such as a salt solution — into the target veins. The injection irritates the veins’ inner lining, causing them to seal shut. Once the collapsed veins absorb into your tissue, your body will begin redirecting blood flow through healthy veins for better circulation.
Visual sclerotherapy targets superficial veins, which is why it is frequently used for spider veins (telangiectasia) and reticular veins.
Injection sclerotherapy vein treatment addresses both the cosmetic and physical symptoms of spider veins and reticular veins. But it’s not used to treat varicose veins. There is a type of sclerotherapy for varicose veins: ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
At USA Vein Clinics, we provide several minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, including ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. If you’re looking for a solution for varicose veins as well as spider and reticular veins, learn more about our varicose vein treatment options.
Injection Sclerotherapy vs. Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Injection (visual) sclerotherapy is when a doctor injects a foam-based sclerosant solution into the vein to cause the vein walls to seal shut.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy involves the use of ultrasound technology to show the doctor where to inject the solution during treatment.
Another difference from visual sclerotherapy is the solution that’s used. With ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, the doctor uses a sclerosant that contains oxygen gas. This gas makes it easier to see the vein being treated using ultrasound technology. It also pushes away blood in the vessel, which helps the solution more easily interact with the vein wall.
For those with spider veins and reticular veins, visual sclerotherapy is all that’s needed to treat the damaged veins. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is used for the deeper and larger veins associated with varicose veins.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment?
Our vein specialists usually recommend sclerotherapy for spider veins and reticular veins that cause physical symptoms, such as leg swelling, tiredness, or cramping. You might also benefit from treatment if you are at risk of developing complications, such as blood clots, or if you’re concerned about the appearance of your legs.
If you’re bothered by spider veins or reticular veins, want a non-surgical solution, and are committed to following through with post-treatment recommendations your doctor makes, sclerotherapy treatment might be a good option for you.
How Long Is a Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider or Reticular Veins?
The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. In most cases, our patients are in and out of our office in less than an hour. However, some patients require more than one session. Your doctor will let you know how many sessions you’re likely to need during your initial consultation so you can plan ahead.
Want to learn more about what to expect? Read our patient testimonials.
How Much Is Sclerotherapy Treatment?
The cost of sclerotherapy spider vein treatment will vary based on your diagnosis. Factors such as how many injections you need and how large of an area is being treated will impact the cost.
Our team will discuss the cost with you and go over your self-pay options. If your treatment is deemed medically necessary, it might be covered by your insurance policy. At USA Vein Clinics, we work with most major insurance providers and offer instant insurance verification through our online scheduling tool.
Call 888.768.3467 if you have any questions.
What Is the After-Care for Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment?
You can go home immediately following injection sclerotherapy. Your doctor might recommend that you wear compression stockings for a number of days after treatment. This will encourage healthy circulation in your legs. Walking is also suggested to promote better circulation.
Are You Looking for a Sclerotherapy Treatment Near You?
With over 160 locations across the United States, USA Vein Clinics is the largest network of vein clinics in the country. We’re also staffed by some of the most experienced vein specialists in the country.
If you are looking for help with spider veins, reticular veins, or varicose veins, schedule an appointment to see one of our specialists today. We’ll give you a diagnosis and recommend the best vein treatment for your needs.