Spider Vein Sclerotherapy vs. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the most effective way to treat spider veins and most varicose veins.  During this quick, minimally invasive vein therapy, a medication called a sclerosant is injected into the vein. This creates a locally controlled inflammatory effect in the vein causing your body to close the vein down.  This procedure effectively treats spider veins and varicose veins without pain or a long recovery time. The Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center has treated thousands of patients with these techniques to provide effective, long-lasting results. This minimally invasive procedure provides optimal outcomes to help patients feel more confident in the appearance of their legs post-treatment.

When is Ultrasound Needed to Treat These Veins?

 The most effective treatment of surface spider veins starts with eliminating the feeder veins that hide beneath the surface of the skin. In order to achieve this, we need to use ultrasound to image these veins we can’t easily see with our eyes and to guide the accurate needle placement in the invisible veins to deliver the medication.  Once the feeder veins are eliminated and the pressure to the spider veins is resolved, the injections can proceed without ultrasound guidance.  At the Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center, we are committed to treating the underlying causes of vein problems first to give the best chance at long lasting results.

What Happens During Treatment?

During sclerotherapy, you will lie either on your back or your stomach, depending on where the problem veins appear. After cleaning the area, one of our ultrasound specialists will image a problem vein beneath the skin surface to guide the insertion of medication into the affected vein. This medication will irritate the lining of the vein and cause it to swell, become inflamed and then close to block the blood flow. After withdrawing the injection, the specialist will massage the area to continue dispersing the solution.

The number of veins we treat in a single session will depend on:

• The size of the veins that requires treatment.

• The location of the veins you would like to treat.

• Your current medical condition.

After the procedure, you will be able to immediately walk around and resume moderate activities.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

A typical sclerotherapy session lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. Since sclerotherapy requires minimal downtime, patients can drive themselves home after completing treatment.

The number of sessions you need will vary depending on your specific goals and concerns. While one patient may see their desired results after one session, another may require up to six sessions for the best outcome. After each session, you will schedule a follow-up appointment with our office to assess your treatment progress. 

It takes time for the complete resolution of the vein and some of the post-procedure discoloration.  “Treated veins will look worse before they look better” is the appropriate mind set.  Patients should not expect to go on a cruise right after Sclerotherapy and have the treated veins be “erased”.  It usually takes 3 months before the changes of Sclerotherapy resolve.  Depending on the size and how superficial the veins are affects this time course.  

In most cases, a patient will see improvement in three to six weeks after completing treatment. While sclerotherapy can permanently close off spider veins, it does not prevent future veins from forming. Luckily, patients can easily schedule another appointment to enhance the appearance of their legs and improve blood flow.

Sclerotherapy Side Effects

You may experience a few side effects after completing your sclerotherapy session. Some mild effects you may experience near the injection site include itching, bruising or a raised red area. These side effects should disappear within a few days after the procedure.

Some additional side effects you may experience include the following:

• The vein site might show brown spots or lines.
• Larger veins that underwent treatment may begin to feel stiff or lumpy and take a few months to fade and dissolve.
• You may begin to see new, tiny blood vessels at the site of the sclerotherapy treatment, but these will fade within 3 to 12 months without additional treatment.

How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?

The cost of sclerotherapy will vary between patients based on the number of treatments and insurance coverage. Many insurance companies cover an initial consultation at our office to allow patients to gain a complete understanding of their venous health.  At the CFVVC, most Sclerotherapy is included in your insurance-based treatment plan, depending on medical necessity.

Schedule an Appointment for Sclerotherapy Today!

At Central Florida Vein and Vascular, we pride ourselves on providing an unparalleled patient experience. With our four office locations, you can easily schedule an appointment for sclerotherapy at Ocoee, Oviedo, Kissimmee or The Villages for a convenient and comfortable way to start your health journey. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!