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What is Sclerotherapy?

By Stephanie Miles | Published on October 16, 2009 | 0 Comments

Simple things like wearing dresses and shorts can oftentimes become unbearable for women suffering from varicose veins. Also known as spider veins, this condition occurs when superficial blood vessels begin appearing on the legs, face, or other areas of the body, causing a dull pain and burning sensation, along with the unsightly look of raised red or blue lines along the skin.

Although having prominent varicose veins can cause humiliation and self shame, the millions of women currently facing it are hardly alone. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have shown that the condition may effect more than 12 million people in the United States, with 41% of women experiencing some form of abnormal veins by the time they reach age 50.

Thanks to a medical procedure known as sclerotherapy, however, women no longer have to worry about hiding their legs and arms. With the help of a trained medical spa professional, varicose vein sufferers can undergo a series of injections designed to erase obtrusive veins over time.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a proven treatment for varicose veins often administered by physicians or medical spa technicians. By injecting a solution made of sodium chloride into the protruding vein, physicians can cause irritation in the lining of the vessel that will in turn force the blood to clot and turn into scar tissue—allowing the vein itself to eventually fade over time, according to research from the Cleveland Clinic.

Hardly a new procedure, sclerotherapy has been around since the 1930s, when physicians first began understanding the mechanisms of what was causing varicose veins in aging women.

Before undergoing the procedure, patients can expect to be given a local anesthetic such as lidocaine to numb the injection site; however patients who suffer from severe allergies to certain anesthetics may also choose a different solution for the procedure, as long as they inform their medical spa technician or physician in advance.

The number of varicose veins that can be treated during one session depends largely on the professional giving the solution, as well as the pain tolerance of the patient. Most commonly, sclerotherapy sessions last 30 to 45 minutes, with an average of 50% to 80% of a person’s varicose veins being erased during each session.

Who are the best candidates?

Thanks to the variety of solutions that can be used in sclerotherapy treatments, nearly all women who suffer from varicose veins are generally considered good candidates for the procedure.

To be considered an optimal candidate, however, patients should be non-smokers who are both physically and mentally healthy. Anyone with a blood disease should check with their physician before going forward. In addition, women who are breastfeeding or who have recently given birth may not be eligible for the procedure, since the solution used in sclerotherapy can impact a woman’s breast milk.

For anyone who is not considered a good candidate for sclerotherapy, other options for the removal of varicose veins still exist, including laser removal or surgery.

What risks are involved?

Because it has been in use for so many years, the lasting effects of sclerotherapy treatment are well understood by physicians, and many of the potential risks and side effects have been minimized thanks to the use of new and better solutions. However, as with any medical procedure, some dangers do exist for those undergoing sclerotherapy.

It is advised that patients undergoing the procedure discontinue use of aspirin or ibuprofen medications at least 48 hours prior to their appointment, since these medications could negatively impact the outcome.

Although rare, patients undergoing sclerotherapy should be prepared to see lumpy or hard veins in the weeks following the procedure—which should dissipate within a matter of months. Noticeable brown lines may appear around the site of the injection. While these should go away within three to six months, they can last longer—or permanently—in some patients.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warns that further side effects may include temporary stinging, leg cramps, skin sores near the injection site, spots around the veins that were treated, and groups of red blood vessels that may appear enlarged.

Finally, there is the risk that sclerotherapy treatment will not work for some patients, since approximately 10% of patients report seeing no visual change in the look of their varicose veins several months after the procedure.

How much does sclerotherapy cost?

The cost of sclerotherapy can vary greatly based on the geographic area where a patient lives, the setting where it is being done—medical spas tend to be cheaper on average than doctor’s offices—and how severe a patient’s symptoms are. In general, patients can expect to pay $100 to $400 per 30-minute session in a medical spa setting.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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