Cosmetic Sclerotherapy: Treatment for Spider Veins on Legs

If you have small or large tortuous varicose or spider veins close to or below the skin surface you may benefit from sclerotherapy. If such veins are associated with symptoms including lower extremity fatigue, heaviness, swelling, cramping, itching or restless legs, further evaluation including an ultrasound performed by Dr. Rosen may be warranted.

Sclerotherapy is contraindicated for patients who are currently pregnant; have an active malignancy or deep vein clot; have a history of an allergic reaction to STS and in those using certain medications such as Tamoxifen. Prior to initiating sclerotherapy treatments, Dr. Rosen sees patients in consultation to take a very thorough medical history, perform a physical exam and, when required, perform an ultrasound to determine if sclerotherapy is indeed an appropriate first treatment.

A sclerotherapy session typically lasts 30 minutes. The injected chemical is sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS): a mild, dilute, sterile medical detergent. STS causes the veins to shrink and ultimately get resorbed by the body.

Injections for sclerotherapy are very well tolerated. Tiny needle marks heal over several days with minimal discomfort. Any minimal bruising that occurs heals within a few weeks. The number of injections and the number of sessions needed depends on the number of veins to be treated.

Realistically, Dr. Rosen tells patients to expect approximately 70% improvement in appearance. Multiple treatments are typically required.

Tell your provider if you or any family members have a history of any blood clotting or bleeding disorders; any migraine headaches; any heart disorders; if you are taking Tamoxifen; if you have had any reactions to previous sclerotherapy injections as such issues, among others, may increase the risks of side effects in sclerotherapy. Also tell your provider if you are currently taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or coumadin.

While minimal bruising is universal in patients treated with sclerotherapy, significant risks are very rare. Side effects may include allergic reaction, bleeding (typically very minimal), infection (extremely rare due to meticulous technique) and skin changes such as hyperpigmentation or matting (new clusters of very tiny vessels) in areas treated with sclerotherapy. Blood clots in deep veins are extremely rare after the treatment of superficial small vessels. Tiny dark clots in the treated spider or varicose veins may occur but pose no significant threat to patients.

The treated veins will initially look darker and more apparent. Dr. Rosen recommends wearing medical-grade support stockings for at least 3 weeks after the procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours and extended plane or car trips for 1 month, if possible.

Yes. Sclerotherapy may be combined with any of our other cosmetic services.

The fee for sclerotherapy depends on the extent of your condition. Sclerotherapy is performed by Dr. David Rosen, MD. To learn more about Sclerotherapy, please call 847-459-6400 or contact us to make an appointment with one of our cosmetic coordinators.