Sclerotherapy

Are you experiencing aching, burning, or swelling in your legs? You may be a great candidate for sclerotherapy, a non-surgical treatment that relieves symptoms and restores confidence in your appearance. This safe, in-office procedure targets varicose and spider veins, helping your legs look and feel healthier with minimal downtime and little to no discomfort.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive vein treatment that involves injecting a special solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the affected vein. The sclerosant safely irritates the vein’s lining, causing it to collapse, close off, and naturally reabsorb into your body over time. As this happens, your blood is rerouted through healthy veins, improving circulation and reducing visible signs of damage.

This proven method has been trusted for decades as one of the most effective treatments for small to medium varicose and spider veins. At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, every procedure is performed by experienced vein specialists dedicated to delivering safe, comfortable, and lasting results.

What Does Sclerotherapy Treat?

Sclerotherapy can effectively treat several types of vein disorders that affect both the look and comfort of your legs. At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, our specialists commonly use this treatment to address both spider veins and varicose veins with precision and care.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels that appear just beneath the skin’s surface, often forming thin red, blue, or purple lines that resemble webs or branches. Though usually harmless, they can cause cosmetic concerns and mild discomfort.

Sclerotherapy is up to 80% effective in treating spider veins. Fewer than 10% of patients report little or no improvement after treatment, making it one of the most reliable options available.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear blue or purple and often bulge above the skin’s surface. They can cause aching, heaviness, or swelling in the legs. Left untreated, they may lead to discomfort or circulation issues over time.

Sclerotherapy can safely reduce the appearance of smaller varicose veins, relieving pain and improving leg health with minimal downtime.

What Our Clients Are Saying

 5/5

“Dr.Gilvydis and his team not only provide excellent quality care but also excellent service. This team of professionals are very client focused and work together to ensure that you get the right treatment but also take the time to tailor the process to meet your needs. Couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!“

Maureen – Naperville, IL

 5/5

“If you’re reading reviews trying to decide if this place is good and with your time and money, I can safely attest that yes, they are great and worth the time and money. The team were all so nice and thorough. Everything was clean and professional. I highly recommend!”

Seymor – Geneva, IL

 5/5

“Every aspect of my experience with the Gilvydis Vein Clinic has been positive, and as pleasant as I could have hoped for. The facilities are clean, bright, and comfortable. The staff is friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and professional. The doctor and staff are skilled, informative, and thorough. I highly recommend their services and care.”

Gary – Sycamore, IL

What Can I Expect from Treatment?

Most patients find sclerotherapy quick and simple. However, it’s important to prepare in advance and follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results.

Avoid medications such as tetracycline, Minocin, aspirin, and ibuprofen for 48 hours before treatment.
Skip applying lotion or moisturizer to your legs before or after the procedure.
Wear shorts to your appointment for easy access to treatment areas, or we can provide shorts for your convenience.
During your initial consultation, mention any previous vein treatments you have had and medications you’ve taken recently.
Note that patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible for sclerotherapy until you have delivered and finished breastfeeding.

Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your treatment plan, and answer any questions to ensure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

Procedure

Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your vein specialist will use a fine needle to inject the sclerosant solution into the targeted vein. You may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation for a few seconds, but most patients report minimal discomfort.

After treatment, you’ll be able to walk immediately and return to your daily activities with little restriction.

Side Effects

Sclerotherapy is considered very safe, and side effects are generally mild and temporary. Serious complications, such as blood clots, are extremely rare when performed by trained vein specialists. Common side effects may include:

Mild bruising at the injection site
Small raised areas or temporary redness
Minor skin sores or irritation
Darkened lines along the treated veins
Clusters of tiny red blood vessels near the skin surface

These effects typically fade within days or weeks. Sclerotherapy is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or allergic to the sclerosant solution.

Aftercare

After your sclerotherapy treatment, you’ll be encouraged to get up and walk immediately, as movement helps promote healthy blood flow and recovery. While you might experience minor discomfort or mild swelling, these symptoms subside quickly. To ensure optimal results:

Avoid strenuous activities or heavy exercise for at least one week.
Wear compression socks as recommended by your doctor to support healing.

Most patients notice visible improvement in just a few weeks, with full results appearing as treated veins naturally fade.

See If Sclerotherapy Is Right For You

Not sure if sclerotherapy is the right treatment for you? Schedule a free Sclerotherapy Vein Consultation with our team to discuss potential treatment options and achieve the best results.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a trusted, proven treatment that offers both medical and cosmetic advantages. At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, patients experience lasting results and renewed confidence with minimal disruption to daily life.

Minimally Invasive

Sclerotherapy only requires a few small injections and little preparation, with no anesthesia or surgery needed. You can walk out of your appointment and return to normal activities the same day.

Reduces Visible Veins

The treatment effectively fades spider veins and small varicose veins, restoring clearer, smoother-looking skin.

Insurance Eligibility
Sclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins is not covered by insurance, but varicose vein treatments may be covered. Our team can help determine your coverage and provide an estimate before treatment.

Visual Sclerotherapy vs. Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

You may have heard the terms “visual or light-guided” and “ultrasound-guided” sclerotherapy. Both are effective treatments that use the same sclerosant solution. However, the difference lies in how your provider locates and targets the affected veins. Both methods are safe, effective, and quick, with results that improve over time. Your provider will recommend the best approach based on your vein type and overall health.

Visual Sclerotherapy

A minimally invasive, in-office treatment that targets spider veins near the surface of the skin.

It is best for superficial spider veins and small varicose veins.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Uses a handheld ultrasound device to guide the injection for precise targeting of deeper or less visible veins.

It is best for deeper or underlying varicose veins that are not visible on the surface.

Already Met Your Deductible?

Get a low out-of-pocket cost for your vein treatment. Now that you have met your deductible, don’t postpone treatment. Schedule your consultation appointment today. Our vein treatment is safe, effective, and quick—so you can resume doing the things you love in no time.

Accepted Insurance

Aetna (Personal Care/Coventry)
BCBS PPO
Cigna
Employers Coalition on Health (ECOH)
Health Alliance Medical Plan (HAMP)
HFN
Humana

Medicare
Multiplan
PCN IPA
EPreferred Plan, Inc. (PPI)/Interhealth plan
SEIU
The Alliance
United Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive vein treatment that involves injecting a medical solution directly into the target veins. This causes the veins to collapse and be reabsorbed naturally by your body. Blood is then rerouted through healthy veins, improving both comfort and appearance.

Is Sclerotherapy Safe?

Yes. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment performed by trained vein specialists. While patients may experience mild redness or bruising after the procedure, serious side effects are very rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases. Gilvydis Vein Clinic uses FDA-approved sclerosants and advanced imaging technology to ensure every treatment is precise and comfortable.

Is Sclerotherapy Covered By Insurance?

In many cases, yes. Varicose vein treatments are often covered when medically necessary, while cosmetic spider vein treatments typically are not. Our insurance team can help verify your benefits and determine if your plan covers the procedure. If you’ve already met your deductible, now is the perfect time to schedule a treatment.

woman holding her ankle and inspecting her legs

How to Recognize and Treat Early Onset Vein Disease in Illinois

Varicose Veins vs. Spider Veins The Difference

Varicose Veins Vs. Spider Veins: Symptoms & Treatment

How To Get Rid of Spider Veins

Understanding Vein Health & Vein Disease

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.

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.

Sclerotherapy

What Is Sclerotherapy?