Sclerotherapy can diminish the appearance of spider and reticular veins. These prominent veins affect millions of individuals, and can cause both discomfort and significantly noticeable aesthetic effects on the skin. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure designed to treat these veins without the need for surgery or excessive recovery periods.
- What is Sclerotherapy?
- Sclerotherapy Procedure
- Sclerotherapy Recovery
- Sclerotherapy Results
- Sclerotherapy Cost
- Sclerotherapy Alternatives
What is Sclerotherapy, How Does it Work?
Sclerotherapy can treat spider veins and reticular veins. Spider veins are small, red, thin veins that often form on the ankles, calves, and thighs. They frequently resemble spiderwebs and can sometimes even be painful. Reticular leg veins are slightly larger, blue to blue-green veins that feed into spider veins. Leg veins can be caused by certain medications, prolonged standing or sitting, hormonal shifts, aging, weight gain, and genetics.
Our Patients’ Results
Before 
After 
Before 
After *Individual Results May Vary
How is the Sclerotherapy Procedure Performed?
Sclerotherapy works to reduce the appearance of spider and reticular veins. After the skin of the treatment area has been pulled taut, a chemical solution called Asclera (polidocanol) is injected with a tiny needle into the vein. This procedure will ultimately cause the spider veins to be reabsorbed by the body, thereby diminishing their appearance. Unlike hypertonic saline, another sclerotherapy solution, Asclera has fewer side effects and is often dramatically more comfortable during treatment.
What Is Recovery from Sclerotherapy Like?
The majority of individuals require minimal downtime after this procedure. Some of the more common sclerotherapy side effects include temporary swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the treatment sites. Our dermatologist will recommend a compression garment to be worn for a brief period of time to aid the healing and treatment process.
What Type of Results Can I Expect from Sclerotherapy?
Depending on the extent of the spider and reticular veins, most patients will see results about a few weeks to months after treatment. In the majority of cases, multiple treatment sessions will be required. During the consultation visit, our team will create an individualized treatment plan that is right for you.
How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?
At Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, the cost of sclerotherapy typically falls in the $600 to $1500 range per session. It is important to note that the overall price is based on a variety of factors unique to each patient’s personalized treatment plan, so the cost will not be the same for everyone. The number of veins being treated, the extent and location of the condition, whether multiple sclerotherapy sessions will be necessary for the best results, and other components of treatment will be taken into account. Once your treatment program has been created during the initial consultation, a member of our team will calculate all expenses associated with the procedure and produce a total cost estimate. Our practice accepts a range of convenient payment methods, and we provide access to healthcare financing agencies such as CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™Credit. These reputable companies offer an array of helpful financing plans to eligible applicants who would like to pay for their sclerotherapy treatment on a monthly basis.
Are There Alternatives to Sclerotherapy?
Fine spider veins that are not being “fed” by reticular leg veins can also be treated with Vbeam® laser therapy, a non-invasive, virtually painless procedure that uses light energy pulses to eradicate spider veins. The heat and light emitted from the laser cause the spider veins to collapse, and their appearance to fade away. Laser vein therapy typically takes at least two treatment sessions for optimal results, and most patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
If you would like more information on how sclerotherapy can help you meet your needs, please contact our practice serving the Houston area, today. We will be happy to answer your questions, or assist you with scheduling a consultation here at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.