Is Sclerotherapy Safe? We Answer Your Spider Vein Treatment Questions

Is sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy is a safe medical procedure that has been used to treat spider veins and varicose veins for decades. During sclerotherapy, a sclerosing solution is injected into the spider veins. The sclerosing solution works by irritating the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and stick together. The spider vein essentially turns into a hardened tissue eventually metabolized by the body, and the accumulated blood reroutes to healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and the most common side effect is bruising, which typically fades within a few weeks. While sclerotherapy is generally considered a safe procedure, there are potential risks involved, as with any medical treatment. Complications from sclerotherapy are rare but can include allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, blood clots, infections, and skin ulceration. You must consult your vein doctor to determine if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy.
How is sclerotherapy performed?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing solution into the unwanted spider veins to turn them into hardened scar tissues that are eventually reabsorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy can be performed at a medical spa, a dermatologist’s office, or a general doctor’s office. But you should only undergo sclerotherapy spider vein treatment at medical centers dedicated to vein treatment in California.
Vein doctors diagnose and treat the root cause of spider veins — not just the superficial symptoms. That’s why sclerotherapy treatments offered by vein doctors lead to more consistent results with a negligible risk of recurrence. Meanwhile, sclerotherapy treatments performed at medical spas usually lead to a high rate of spider vein recurrence. The spider vein treatment is usually performed in an outpatient clinic, and it takes 30 to 45 minutes.
During your sclerotherapy treatment, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down. You will be given a gown to wear. The vein doctor will clean the injection site with an antiseptic solution. Then, the doctor will insert a needle into the vein. The needle is connected to a small tube that carries the sclerosing solution. The vein doctor will inject the solution into the vein, following which they will inject the next vein.
The vein doctor delivers one injection per spider vein. After the procedure, the vein doctor will apply a compression bandage to the injection site. You will be asked to wear compression stockings for several days or weeks to ensure optimal healing and recovery. You may experience bruising and discomfort after the procedure. These side effects are temporary and will resolve on their own within a few days. There’s no downtime after sclerotherapy.
What makes sclerotherapy the best spider vein treatment?
Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades. It is a minimally invasive, relatively painless procedure that is highly effective in eliminating spider veins. There are several reasons why sclerotherapy is the best treatment for spider veins:
- Sclerotherapy is highly effective. A single sclerotherapy treatment can eliminate up to 80% of the spider veins treated, and most patients see optimal results after 2 to 3 sessions.
- Sclerotherapy is safe. There are very few side effects associated with sclerotherapy. The most common side effect is mild bruising, which typically resolves within a few days.

Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins for decades. It is a minimally invasive, relatively painless procedure that is highly effective in eliminating spider veins. There are several reasons why sclerotherapy is the best treatment for spider veins:
3. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive. The procedure is performed using a very fine needle inserted into the spider vein. You don’t have to worry about incisions or scarring.
4. Sclerotherapy is relatively painless. Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure. Since sclerotherapy is performed after administering topical or local anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
5. Sclerotherapy is affordable. The cost of sclerotherapy is typically lower than that of other treatments for spider veins and varicose veins, such as surgery.
What is the sclerotherapy healing process?
Sclerotherapy is safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, there are a few potential side effects. These include bruising, swelling, and itching at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. You will be asked to wear compression stockings for a few weeks to ensure optimal healing and prevent spider vein recurrence. You may also be asked to walk for a short time to help the solution work its way through your veins.
Recovery from sclerotherapy is quick, and you will be able to return to your normal activities right away. However, you should avoid strenuous activity or exposure to sun or heat for at least 24 hours after the procedure. You must avoid hot baths, saunas, or vigorous exercise for a few days after the procedure and apply ice to the treated area. In most cases, the spider veins should gradually dissipate and fade away within a few weeks.
Is it dangerous to have varicose veins removed?
There are many treatments available for varicose veins, but not all of them are right for everyone. Some people may be worried about the dangers of having varicose veins removed, but the truth is that the procedure is perfectly safe.
Of course, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved in having varicose veins removed. The most common complication is bruising, which usually goes away within a few weeks. There is also a small risk of infection, but this can usually be managed or avoided with antibiotics. In very rare cases, there may be damage to the nerves or blood vessels near the varicose veins, but this is extremely rare.
Overall, the risks of having varicose veins removed are very low, and the procedure is highly successful in improving the appearance of the legs and relieving symptoms such as pain and swelling. Meanwhile, untreated varicose veins can lead to numerous potential complications, such as leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. As such, the possible side effects of varicose vein treatments pale in comparison to the complications of untreated vein disease.
If you are considering treatment for your varicose veins, please discuss your minimally invasive varicose vein treatment options with a board-certified vein doctor.
Where to get sclerotherapy near me?
California Vein Treatment is a state-of-the-art medical center specializing in minimally invasive spider vein treatments in California. We have two offices in California — San Diego and San Jose. The San Diego office is in the La Jolla neighborhood, and the San Jose office is near Palo Alto. If you have spider veins or varicose veins, please schedule an appointment at your nearest medical center for spider vein treatment in California.
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