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Are visible leg veins causing you discomfort or affecting your confidence? Dealing with spider veins and varicose veins can be frustrating—not just because of how they look but also due to the discomfort they often bring.
Fortunately, there’s a solution. This blog will walk you through sclerotherapy, a highly effective minimally invasive vein treatment, explaining how it works and why it’s a trusted option for both spider vein treatment and varicose vein removal.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical vein treatment that involves injecting a sclerosing solution directly into affected veins. This solution causes the vein to collapse, stick together, and eventually be absorbed by the body.
As the treated vein fades, blood is rerouted to healthier veins. This effect results in improved circulation and leg appearance.
Commonly treated veins include:
- Spider veins – thin, web-like veins that appear red, blue, or purple on the skin’s surface.
- Small varicose veins – larger, raised veins that are often twisted and bulging.
How the Sclerotherapy Procedure Works
- Preparation: The provider cleans the treatment area and identifies the target veins.
- Injection: A sclerosing solution is injected into the affected vein using a very fine needle.
- Vein Reaction: The solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to close and block blood flow.
- Absorption and Healing: Over several weeks, the treated vein fades as the body naturally absorbs it.
Most sessions take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are being treated. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the best results.
Why Sclerotherapy is So Effective
High Success Rate
Studies have shown that sclerotherapy procedures can reduce the appearance of treated veins by 60% to 80% after just a few sessions. Many patients report long-lasting results, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and regular follow-up treatments.
Minimally Invasive Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy does not require surgery or anesthesia. The benefit explains why sclerotherapy is a simple in-office procedure. Since there’s minimal recovery time, it’s a perfect solution for those with busy lifestyles who can’t afford lengthy downtime.
Relief from Symptoms
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, sclerotherapy can relieve symptoms associated with spider veins and varicose veins, such as:
- Leg swelling
- Aching and cramping
- Burning and itching sensations
Treating these veins not only improves appearance but also enhances overall leg health and comfort in daily activities.
Safe and Low Risk
When performed by an experienced provider, sclerotherapy procedures are safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary swelling or bruising at the injection site. Rare complications are minimized with proper post-procedure care and by choosing a qualified specialist.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is ideal for patients with visible spider veins or small varicose veins who want to improve the appearance of their legs. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Sclerotherapy procedures may not be recommended for those who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of blood clots
- Have active skin infections or poor circulation
Consulting a vein specialist is essential to determine if Sclerotherapy is right for you.
What to Expect During Recovery
Immediate Post-Treatment
Walking is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Light activity helps speed up healing while avoiding prolonged standing or sitting reduces the risk of complications.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings for a few days helps support the treated veins and speeds up recovery. They improve blood flow and reduce swelling, which minimizes discomfort and enhances overall results.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Keep treated areas protected from the sun for a few weeks to prevent hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen can also help prevent discoloration and protect the skin as it heals. It’s crucial to apply sun protection daily to maintain the long-term results of the treatment.
Gradual Results
Treated veins will fade over several weeks to months. Most patients notice significant improvement within 3 to 6 weeks for smaller veins and up to 4 months for larger veins. Follow-up sessions may be needed to treat residual veins for a more refined result.
The Benefits of Sclerotherapy Compared to Other Treatments
There are several treatment options for leg veins, but Sclerotherapy remains a popular choice because of its unique advantages.
| Feature | Sclerotherapy | Laser Theraoy | Surgical Vein Removal |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Non-invasive | Invasive |
| Recovery Time | Minimal | Minimal | Longer recovery period |
| Effectiveness | High for spider and small varicose veins | High for small veins only | High for large varicose veins |
| Anesthesia Required | No | Yes | No |
For spider veins and smaller varicose veins, sclerotherapy procedures offer a better combination of effectiveness and recovery time compared to other treatments.
How Long Do Sclerotherapy Results Last?
The results of sclerotherapy can last for years, especially with proper care and maintenance. While treated veins do not return, new spider veins or varicose veins may develop over time. For long-lasting results, periodic follow-up treatments may be necessary.
Afzal Clinics: Expert Sclerotherapy in Minneapolis, MN
If you have spider veins or varicose veins that are painful or unsightly, you don’t have to live with them. At Afzal Clinics, Kamran Afzal, MD, and the expert team offer highly effective Sclerotherapy to eliminate undesirable veins without surgery or downtime. With personalized care and a minimally invasive approach, Afzal Clinics helps patients restore confidence and comfort in their legs.
Why Choose Afzal Clinics for Cosmetic Sclerotherapy?
- Board-certified specialists with extensive experience in vein treatments
- State-of-the-art technology for precise, effective results
- Convenient locations in Minneapolis and Edina, MN
Want smooth, vein-free legs? Book your Sclerotherapy session now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see full results from Sclerotherapy?
The timeline for results depends on the size and type of veins being treated. Spider veins typically fade within 3 to 6 weeks, while larger varicose veins may take 3 to 4 months to fully disappear. It’s common for multiple treatment sessions to be necessary for optimal results, especially for more extensive vein networks.
Can Sclerotherapy prevent new veins from forming?
While sclerotherapy permanently eliminates the treated veins, it does not prevent new veins from developing in the future. Factors like genetics, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and aging can contribute to the formation of new veins.
Is Sclerotherapy painful?
Most patients describe the injections as a mild pinching or stinging sensation, which is brief and tolerable. Some sclerosing agents may cause a slight burning feeling, but it typically subsides quickly.
How do I maintain my results after Sclerotherapy?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to prolonging your results. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting can help prevent new vein formation.
