Some commonly asked questions are answered below. Click on a question to reveal more information.
No anaesthetic is required, but patients may feel some mild discomfort associated with the insertion of the needles. Patients will feel small pin pricks and a mild burning sensation during the injection, but this discomfort will fade almost instantly.
The procedure takes about 15 to 45 minutes. The best Sclerotherapy results are seen with at least three to four injections performed about four to six weeks apart, but sometimes as many as six treatments may be necessary.
Most veins will fade within two to eight weeks of the final session of Sclerotherapy. Results should be permanent. Of course, it’s still possible for new veins to emerge over time.
There is no downtime with Sclerotherapy vein removal treatments. Patients do, however, have to wear a compression stocking for a period of time.
Cost per treatment ranges from $150 to $400 depending on the number of spider veins requiring injection. Some may require repeat treatments.
As with any procedure, there are certain risks and potential side effects associated with Sclerotherapy, but they are very rare. These risks include:
- Formation of blood clots
- Inflammation
- Allergic reaction to sclerosing agent
Sclerotherapy side effects include itching, hyperpigmentation, allergic reactions and minor pain at the injection site. All of these risks can be treated upon development. It is important that you discuss all risks before undergoing Sclerotherapy treatment.
Spider Vein Treatment
The most common vein disorders today are spider veins and varicose veins. Spider vein sufferers will find small clusters of red, blue and purple veins on their legs. They can be very unsightly and leave people feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Sclerotherapy is a procedure designed to permanently remove spider veins, leaving legs looking younger and healthier.
The average Sclerotherapy treatment usually takes between 15 to 45 minutes. During the procedure, a tiny needle is used to inject the sclerosing agent directly into the targeted spider vein. Once this solution reaches the haemoglobin in the blood it will turn the vein white (making it practically invisible) while the body’s natural healing processes gradually absorb the vascular material back into the bloodstream. In short, Sclerotherapy removes spider veins by cutting off their blood supply and reabsorbing the faulty vein. With the introduction of milder sclerosing solutions in recent years, this process can work effectively on even the smallest veins and is safer than ever before.