What Is Sclerotherapy and What Does It Treat?

Introduction

Sclerotherapy is one of the most established and effective treatments for visible veins on the legs. The procedure has been used for decades to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Many patients are bothered by the appearance of visible veins but are unaware that a simple in-office treatment can address them. It involves injecting a solution directly into the veins, causing them to collapse and fade. Understanding how it works helps patients evaluate whether the treatment suits their concerns. This article explains the procedure, what conditions it treats and what realistic results patients can expect from this proven vein treatment.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that treats visible veins by injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the affected vessel. The solution irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to swell, stick together and eventually close. Blood flow redirects through healthier veins. The treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body over several weeks. The vein fades from view as the body processes the closed vessel. Sclerotherapy has been performed since the 1930s and remains the gold standard for treating spider veins and small varicose veins. Modern formulations and techniques have improved both safety and effectiveness. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed in a clinical setting without the need for general anaesthesia.

What Does Sclerotherapy Treat?

The procedure effectively treats several types of visible veins. Spider veins are the most common indication. These small red, blue or purple veins sit close to the skin surface and form web-like patterns. They most commonly appear on the legs. Reticular veins are slightly larger blue or green veins that feed spider vein clusters. Treating these feeder veins alongside spider veins improves the outcome. Small varicose veins that are not large enough to require surgical treatment respond well to sclerotherapy. The procedure can also treat veins on the hands and other body areas in some cases. Sclerotherapy addresses the cosmetic appearance of veins and can also relieve associated symptoms such as aching, heaviness and discomfort that visible veins sometimes cause.

How Sclerotherapy Is Performed

Sclerotherapy is performed as an outpatient procedure in a clinical setting. No anaesthesia is typically required. The patient lies comfortably on a treatment bed. The practitioner identifies the target veins by visual assessment and sometimes with ultrasound guidance for deeper vessels. A very fine needle injects the sclerosing solution directly into each targeted vein. The solution may be liquid or foam depending on the vein size and location. Foam sclerotherapy uses an agitated mixture that displaces blood more effectively in larger veins. Most patients describe a mild burning or cramping sensation during injection that lasts seconds. A typical session treats multiple veins over twenty to forty minutes. The number of injections depends on the extent of visible veins being treated.

Types of Sclerosing Solutions Used in Sclerotherapy

Several sclerosing solutions are used in the procedure. Sodium tetradecyl sulphate is one of the most commonly used agents. It is effective across a range of vein sizes. Polidocanol is another widely used solution with anaesthetic properties that may reduce discomfort during injection. Hypertonic saline is sometimes used for very small spider veins. The choice of solution depends on vein size, location and practitioner preference. Foam formulations using either sodium tetradecyl sulphate or polidocanol are preferred for larger veins because the foam displaces blood more effectively, allowing greater contact between the solution and the vein wall. The practitioner selects the most appropriate agent and concentration for each patient’s specific vein pattern.

Recovery After Sclerotherapy

Recovery from the procedure is straightforward with minimal disruption to daily activities. Compression stockings are worn for one to three weeks after treatment to support the treated veins. Walking is encouraged immediately and helps the healing process. Most patients return to work the same day. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for one to two weeks. Hot baths, saunas and prolonged sun exposure on the treated areas should be avoided during the healing period. Mild bruising at injection sites is common and resolves within one to two weeks. Some patients experience temporary darkening of the skin along the treated vein. This usually fades over several weeks to months. The treated veins gradually fade from view over three to six weeks after the procedure.

How Many Sclerotherapy Sessions Are Needed?

Most patients require multiple sclerotherapy sessions for optimal clearance. Two to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is typical. Each session treats a portion of the visible veins. Some veins require repeat treatment if they do not respond fully to the first injection. Larger or more extensive vein patterns need more sessions. The practitioner assesses progress between sessions and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly. Some patients achieve satisfactory improvement after two sessions. Others with extensive spider vein networks may need four or more. Maintenance sessions may be needed over time because new spider veins can develop. It treats existing visible veins but does not prevent new ones from forming in the future. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor results and maintain consistent improvement in vein appearance.

Results from Sclerotherapy

Results from the procedure develop gradually over several weeks. Treated veins typically look worse before they look better as the inflammatory response takes effect. Darkening and mild bruising are normal during the first week or two. Spider veins begin to fade noticeably from three to six weeks after treatment. Larger veins may take three to four months to fully resolve. Most patients see significant improvement after completing their recommended course of sessions. Complete clearance of all visible veins is not always achievable but most patients experience seventy to ninety percent improvement. The legs appear clearer, smoother and more even in tone. Most patients describe significant satisfaction with their results and improvement in confidence about their leg appearance. Wearing compression stockings as advised can further support healing and enhance visible treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Sclerotherapy is a proven, minimally invasive treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. The procedure involves injecting a sclerosing solution that causes targeted veins to collapse and gradually fade. Treatment takes twenty to forty minutes in a clinical setting with minimal recovery. Most patients need two to four sessions for optimal results. Results develop over several weeks with significant improvement in vein appearance. The procedure is safe with generally mild side effects. The procedure has been the gold standard for visible vein treatment for decades and continues to deliver excellent patient satisfaction. Professional consultation determines suitability and creates a personalised treatment plan for clearer, more confident legs. Modern techniques and experienced practitioners continue to improve comfort, efficiency and patient satisfaction with treatment.

To find out more about the procedure and to book a consultation visit the ACIBADEM Beauty Center Aesthetics page.