Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
Spider veins and small varicose veins can make you self-conscious about your legs, and some cause aching, burning or itching. Sclerotherapy is a quick in-office treatment that uses tiny injections to close these veins, so they gradually fade and blood flows through healthier veins nearby. At MVM Health, your vein specialist examines your legs first to make sure sclerotherapy is the right fit.
Book a visit with a vein specialist at one of our clinics in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Arizona.
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Meet Our Expert Team
Board Certified Expert
At MVM Health — Movement. Vitality. Medicine. — we are committed to providing exceptional pain, vein, and wellness services that empower individuals to reclaim their health and well-being. With our team of Harvard-trained experts, we strive to deliver transformative outcomes that restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. MVM Health’s mission is to help every patient relieve discomfort, restore motion, and renew life.
Vwaire Orhurhu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Mariam Salisu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Peter Isaac, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ali Amin, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
THOMAS KHOURY, MD
Harvard Medical School
ANTHONY TURNER, MD
Yale School of Medicine
KIRAN C. TAMIRISA
Baylor College of Medicine
TARIQ ALFARRA, DO
JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL
Rishi Sheth, MD
University of Miami School of Medicine
Henry Onyeaka, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Felicia Todd, CNP
Moravian College
Carrie Ward, CNP
Franklin University
Kruti Solanki, CNP
Drexel University
Christy Daniels, CNP
Chamberlain University
Heerina Kittel, CNP
Maryville University
Vic Urbano, CNP
Walden University
Jameela Azeem, CNP
Hofstra University
Vwaire Orhurhu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Mariam Salisu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Peter Isaac, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ali Amin, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
THOMAS KHOURY, MD
Harvard Medical School
ANTHONY TURNER, MD
Yale School of Medicine
KIRAN C. TAMIRISA
Baylor College of Medicine
Rishi Seth, MD
University of Miami School of Medicine
Henry Onyeaka, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Felicia Todd, CNP
Moravian College
Vic Urbano, CNP
Walden University
Jameela Azeem, CNP
Hofstra University
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What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a medicine called a sclerosant is injected directly into an unwanted vein. The medicine irritates the inner lining of the vein, so the walls stick together and the vein closes. Over the following weeks, the closed vein turns into scar tissue and fades from view.
In the U.S., the sclerosant polidocanol is FDA-approved to treat uncomplicated spider veins up to 1 mm wide and reticular veins 1 to 3 mm wide in the legs. Your provider chooses the medicine, strength and form that suits your veins.
What Does Sclerotherapy Treat?
Sclerotherapy works best for smaller veins close to the skin:
Thin red, blue or purple lines, often on the thighs, calves and ankles, that show through the skin like a web.
Reticular Veins
Slightly larger blue-green veins under the skin that often feed nearby clusters of spider veins.
Smaller bulging or twisted veins near the surface that may cause aching, burning, itching or heaviness.
Leftover Surface Veins
Visible veins that remain after a larger vein has been closed with ablation, VenaSeal or another treatment.
Are You a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Many adults with spider veins or small varicose veins are good candidates, but your specialist decides after an exam. If several items on the left apply to you, an evaluation is worth it.
If several of these apply to you, a short evaluation can show whether sclerotherapy is right for you, or whether a larger vein needs attention first.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have spider veins or reticular veins on your legs
- Have small varicose veins near the skin
- Feel aching, burning or itching around visible veins
- Have leftover veins after another vein treatment
Talk to your provider first if you:
- Are pregnant or recently gave birth
- Have a current or past blood clot
- Are allergic to a sclerosant medicine
- Have limited mobility or are often bedbound
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
No Incisions
Treatment uses only tiny needle injections, so there are no cuts or stitches and nothing to heal but small pinpricks.
No Anesthesia Needed
You stay awake and comfortable. Most people feel only a small pinch and brief stinging with each injection.
Same-Day Routine
Sessions usually take under an hour, and most people walk out and resume daily activities the same day.
Pairs With Other Treatments
Several veins can often be treated in one visit, and sclerotherapy works well after ablation or VenaSeal.
When to Consider Sclerotherapy
Book a vein evaluation if spider veins or small varicose veins bother you, are spreading, or cause aching, burning or itching. If you have a special event coming up, plan at least two to three months ahead, so bruising and any skin staining have time to fade.
If your legs feel heavy and swollen or you have bulging veins, a deeper vein may be involved. An evaluation can check for that before treating surface veins.
Ready for clearer, more comfortable legs? Find out if sclerotherapy is right for you.
Before Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
Every sclerotherapy plan at MVM Health starts with an evaluation, so your specialist can confirm it’s the right treatment for your veins.
STEP 1 · YOUR VISIT
Your specialist reviews your symptoms, health history and medicines, and examines your legs. Mention any past blood clots, allergies, pregnancy or recent surgery.
Step 2 · ULTRASOUND, IF NEEDED
If a deeper vein problem is suspected, a duplex ultrasound checks for leaking veins that should be treated before surface veins.
STEP 3 · PLAN AND PREP
Your specialist estimates how many sessions you may need. Bring the compression stockings you’re advised to use, and wear loose clothing on treatment day.
Sclerotherapy and Other Vein Treatments
Sclerotherapy is ideal for smaller surface veins, while larger leaking veins usually need a different method first. Many patients combine treatments for the best result. Your specialist picks the approach that matches your veins.
An injected medicine makes the vein close and fade
Best for: Spider, reticular and small varicose veins
Recovery: Walk right away; little downtime
Laser energy closes the vein through a thin fiber
Best for: Larger, straighter refluxing veins
Recovery: Walking the same day
A medical adhesive glues the vein shut, no heat
Best for:Larger veins, when heat isn’t ideal
Recovery: Often back to routine the same day
A rotating tip plus medicine closes the vein.
Best for: Larger veins close to nerves
Recovery: Usually back to routine the same day
Bulging surface veins removed through tiny nicks
Best for: Large, rope-like surface veins
Recovery: Walk the same day; mild bruising
Gentle heat seals the vein from the inside
Best for: Larger refluxing saphenous veins
Recovery: Walk the same day; mild bruising
Surface laser treatment uses light through the skin and can help with very fine vessels or people who can’t have injections. For leg spider and reticular veins, sclerotherapy is often preferred.
How Sclerotherapy Works
Sclerotherapy is a quick in-office treatment with no incisions and no anesthesia. A session usually takes under an hour, depending on how many veins are treated. Your provider will describe the exact technique used in your case. In general, it follows four steps:
1
Prepare the Skin You lie down while the skin over the treatment area is cleaned. For deeper veins, ultrasound may be used to find them.
2
Inject the Medicine Using a very fine needle, your provider injects the medicine into each targeted vein. You may feel a brief pinch or sting.
3
Apply Pressure Light pressure is applied after each injection, and compression stockings go on before you leave to keep the vein walls together.
4
The Vein Fades The treated vein closes and your body slowly absorbs it. Blood takes another route back to the heart through healthy veins.
Aftercare Tips
A few simple steps help your veins close well and your skin heal:
Walk right after your visit and each day for the next few days to keep blood moving well.
Wear compression stockings as directed, usually a few days for spider veins and up to a week for others.
Skip heavy exercise, lifting, hot baths, hot tubs and saunas for the first few days after treatment.
Keep treated areas out of the sun and avoid tanning, and check with your provider before long flights.
Sclerotherapy Myths, Answered
A few common beliefs keep people from getting treatment. Here’s what’s actually true:
MYTH
Sclerotherapy is only cosmetic.
FACT
Sclerotherapy can also ease aching, burning or itching caused by small varicose veins, not just improve how legs look.
MYTH
One session clears every vein.
FACT
Some small clusters clear in one visit, but many people need two or more sessions spaced weeks apart.
MYTH
The injections are very painful.
FACT
Most people feel only a small pinch and brief stinging with each injection. No anesthesia is needed.
MYTH
Treated veins always come back.
FACT
A fully closed vein usually stays closed. New veins can form over time, and touch-ups can treat them.
Sclerotherapy Cost and Insurance
Coverage depends on why you’re being treated. Sclerotherapy for spider veins alone is usually considered cosmetic and is not covered. When it treats symptomatic varicose veins as part of a medical plan, some insurers may cover it if you meet their criteria.
Your total cost depends on how many veins are treated and how many sessions you need. For cosmetic treatment, our team shares self-pay pricing before you book, so there are no surprises. See our insurance details or Call Now to check your benefits. At MVM Health, your provider examines your legs first to confirm sclerotherapy is appropriate, and discusses other options when it isn’t. Book a vein evaluation to find out which approach fits you.Sclerotherapy Side Effects and Risks
Most side effects are mild and fade with time. An experienced vein specialist helps keep risks low.
If you checked a few on the left, a short evaluation can show whether sclerotherapy is right for you, or whether a larger vein needs attention first.red yes to several and you’ve noticed leg symptoms, a vein evaluation can tell you what’s going on.
More common, temporary:
- Bruising, redness or small raised areas at injection sites
- Mild itching or tenderness
- Brown skin staining along the treated vein, which usually fades over months
- Have leftover veins after another vein treatment
Less common:
- A small skin sore at an injection site
- A tender clot in a surface vein
- Brief headache or visual disturbance, mainly with foam (rare)
- Allergic reaction to the medicine (rare)
FAQS
What is sclerotherapy, and what conditions does it treat?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats damaged or unwanted veins in the legs and pelvis by injecting a sclerosant solution directly into the affected vessel. It is commonly used to address spider veins, small varicose veins, and veins associated with Venous Insufficiency that cause chronic pelvic or leg pain, heaviness, and discomfort.
How does the sclerotherapy procedure work?
During sclerotherapy, a physician makes a tiny insertion point and uses a small needle to inject a sclerosant solution into the targeted vein. This solution causes the vein walls to seal shut, reducing unwanted blood pooling and stopping further vein deterioration. Ultrasound imaging is typically used to guide precise placement of the medication.
Is sclerotherapy painful, and what is the recovery like?
Sclerotherapy is a low-impact procedure that requires only a tiny insertion point, resulting in minimal discomfort during and after treatment. Most patients can return to their everyday routines within just a few days, making it one of the most convenient options for vein relief.
How long do the results of sclerotherapy last?
Because sclerotherapy permanently closes the targeted faulty veins, the results are long-lasting. Once the treated veins are sealed, they are gradually absorbed by the body and will no longer cause pooling or chronic pain, offering durable relief rather than just temporary symptom management.
Why choose MVM Health for sclerotherapy?
MVM Health’s experienced physician team specializes in the latest vein treatment methods, including Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Every patient receives a thorough evaluation, personalized care plan, and ongoing recovery support in a modern facility equipped with advanced medical technology.
Ready for Clearer, More Comfortable Legs?
A short evaluation can show whether sclerotherapy is the right fit or whether a larger vein needs attention first. Our vein care team will explain your options and expected number of sessions. Book online, find a clinic near you, or call (888) 628-4785.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people feel only a small pinch from the very fine needle, and some notice brief stinging or cramping as the medicine enters the vein. No anesthesia is needed.
A session usually takes under an hour, depending on how many veins are treated. You can go home right after and resume most daily activities the same day.
It depends on the number and size of your veins. Some small clusters clear in one visit, while larger areas often need two or more sessions spaced several weeks apart.
There’s little to no downtime. You’ll wear compression stockings for a few days to a week and avoid heavy exercise, hot baths and sun on treated areas for the first few days.
A vein that has fully closed usually stays closed. Some veins need a second treatment to close completely, and new veins can appear nearby over the years.
Liquid is often used for the smallest veins. Foam is the same type of medicine mixed with air or gas, so it fills slightly larger veins and stays in contact with the vein wall longer.
Sclerotherapy closes the vein from the inside with an injected medicine, while surface laser uses light through the skin. Sclerotherapy is often preferred for leg spider and reticular veins.
Yes. It’s often used after a larger vein has been closed with ablation or VenaSeal, or alongside ambulatory phlebectomy to clear remaining surface veins.
Treatment for spider veins alone is usually cosmetic and not covered. When it treats symptomatic varicose veins, some plans may cover it if you meet their criteria. Our team can check your benefits.
Plan at least two to three months ahead. That gives bruising and any brown staining time to fade, and leaves room for a second session if some veins need more treatment.
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