Treating Spider Veins With Sclerotherapy

Looking for the perfect spider vein treatment? Sclerotherapy might just be the answer.

Of all the spider vein treatment options, sclerotherapy seems to check all the boxes. It’s minimally invasive, requires little to no healing, and is over in a matter of minutes. But before you decide whether it’s right for you, read on to learn about a common treatment for spider veins called Sclerotherapy.

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What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels visible on the surface of your skin. They usually have a red or purple hue and are commonly found on the legs or face. Contrary to popular belief, people of all ages can get spider veins, including younger people. However, they’re typically present in those over the age of 50. 

 

If left untreated, spider veins can worsen or cause vein disease and unpleasant symptoms, like aches and pains—and in serious cases, blood clots and ulcers. Fortunately, you might be able to minimize spider veins’ development by staying informed about their risk factors. These include:

Treating Spider Veins With Sclerotherapy
  • Sun exposure
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy
  • Some types of medication

What to Know Before Sclerotherapy Treatment

  • Avoid medications like tetracycline, Minocin, aspirin, and ibuprofen 48 hours before the procedure
  • Don’t apply lotion to your legs before or after the procedure
  • Wear shorts to your appointment
  • Mention any previous vein treatments you’ve had in the initial consultation

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins and Other Vein Disease Treatment

Sclerotherapy is up to 80% effective in treating damaged spider veins, and fewer than 10% of people report that sclerotherapy did not help treat their veins. It’s not only beneficial for spider vein patients, however. 

 

Sclerotherapy also helps treat varicose veins. Instead of liquid sclerotherapy (which is what is used for spider veins), foam sclerotherapy is used for the treatment of varicose veins. This treatment still uses Polidocanol, but with added oxygen and carbon dioxide. This makes it more effective for treating varicose veins. It helps get rid of varicose veins by redirecting the blood to flow through healthier, undamaged veins. Additionally, sclerotherapy aids in treating hemorrhoids for those who can’t risk surgical procedures.

Sclerotherapy

Is a Sclerotherapy Procedure Right for Me?

Wondering if sclerotherapy is right for you? Looking for the perfect vein treatment to help you love your legs again can be challenging, but sclerotherapy has many benefits to consider.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy Treatment:

  • Minimally Invasive. Sclerotherapy just requires some simple prep and an injection or two—which means you can get back to doing what you love in less time.
  • Helps Diminish Damaged Veins. By injecting the sclerosant agent, the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins will fade within a couple of weeks. 
  • Gets Rid of Vein Damage Symptoms. As your damaged veins heal, the symptoms of them will also be alleviated. 
  • Can Be Covered by Insurance.  Liquid sclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins isn’t covered by insurance. However, if you need sclerotherapy for varicose veins, your insurance might cover it.
Before and after Sclerotherapy

While sclerotherapy can help almost anyone, those who’re pregnant or breastfeeding aren’t eligible for sclerotherapy. If you have had a blood clot before, your eligibility could be impacted but will be determined by a physician on an individual basis. Similarly, if you have veins that might be used for future heart bypass surgery, you may not be eligible.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Gilvydis

Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, M.D, is the co-founder of Northern Illinois Vein Clinic (NIVC) in Rockford, Illinois, and the founder of Gilvydis Vein Clinic (GVC) in Naperville, Sycamore, and Geneva, Illinois. A board-certified interventionalist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Gilvydis has been treating varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques since they were first introduced.

Finding Sclerotherapy Treatment Near Me

Ready to get sclerotherapy? Then it’s time to find the perfect vein clinic for you—and that’s where we come in.

 

At the Gilvydis Vein Clinic, not only will you get a top-rated experience, but you’ll also get treated by one of the best board-certified vascular and interventional radiologists in the county. The Gilvydis Vein Clinic is also one of the only four vein clinics in Illinois that is certified by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. Rest assured that your vein procedure will be perfectly customized to give you the best possible results, whether you go to our Geneva or Sycamore locations. Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your free screening.

Get Back to You.

Over 24,000 Successful Vein Treatments
& Counting

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.

Get back to yourself.

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.