What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure preferentially employed to eliminate cosmetic spider veins, typically on the legs. It involves injections of a sclerosing solution into targeted small, unnecessary vessels, causing them to collapse and then gradually lear via the body’s natural cleansing pathways. This procedure has been honed and practiced for decades and has evolved into a safe and effective treatment for troublesome leg veins. At Philosophy MD, we are able to effectively treat cosmetic spider veins and blue reticular veins with specialized sclerotherapy treatment.

How Does Sclerotherapy Improve Leg Veins?

The magic of sclerotherapy lies in its simplicity: the injected solution irritates the lining of the targeted vein, causing it to swell and stick together. Over time, the collapsed vessel is absorbed by the body, and blood flow is redirected to healthier veins. Gradually, treated vessels fade, leaving behind smoother legs.

What Veins Can be Treated with Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is primarily used to treat red, purple and blue spider veins, and small to medium-sized blue reticular veins. Spider veins are thin, web-like veins that appear close to the surface of the skin, while reticular veins are larger, bluer, and deeper in the skin. Both types of veins can be effectively treated with sclerotherapy, restoring the health of your legs. We do not treat large, raised, symptomatic (aching, painful, swollen) varicose veins with laser or sclerotherapy at Philosophy MD. If you are uncertain about your candidacy, we encourage you to book a complimentary consultation and vein assessment.

How Long After Sclerotherapy Do Veins Disappear?

The timeline for vein disappearance varies from patient to patient. In general, you may start to notice improvements within a few weeks of treatment, with optimal results typically achieved within several months. Multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal clearance and desired outcomes. Those prone to leg veins are likely to develop more over time; a personalized degree of ongoing treatment is likely, yet much easier to keep on top of after initial treatment.

Sclerotherapy vs. Laser: Which is Better?

At Philosophy MD, we offer both sclerotherapy and specialized vascular laser therapy for vein treatment. While both sclerotherapy and laser therapy are effective treatments for leg veins, they target different types of veins and can be used in combination for optimal results. Sclerotherapy is ideal for treating defined vessels and networks of veins, while laser therapy is better suited for matted, smaller patches of vessels close to the skin’s surface. Our expert providers will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific needs and vein condition.

Results with Combination Sclerotherapy and Laser

Combining sclerotherapy with laser therapy can yield superior results, especially for patients with a combination of striated and matted spider veins. This approach allows for comprehensive treatment, addressing veins of varying sizes and depths in a single treatment session. By tailoring the treatment to your unique vein anatomy, we can achieve smoother, more aesthetically pleasing legs in fewer sessions.

Sclerotherapy Cost

Sclerotherapy and vascular laser treatment at Philosophy MD start at $150 per session. Multiple sessions are typically required. The cost of sclerotherapy can vary depending on factors such as the number of sessions required, and the size and severity of the veins being treated. Generally, sclerotherapy is considered a cost-effective solution for suitable candidates, with many patients finding it well worth the investment for the confidence and comfort it brings.