Sclerotherapy is a simple office procedure for spider vein removal and varicose vein removal.

Sclerotherapy was developed in the 1920's.  During the procedure, Sotradecol, a FDA approved sclerosing solution is injected into the varicose or spider vein through a micro-needle.  The tiny needle generally causes very little pain.  The vein commonly blanches and ultimately disappears.  A typical treatment may last for 15 to 20 minutes and consist of multiple injections.  Injection sclerotherapy frequently eliminates the need for invasive surgical procedures.

Complete correction of the treated area is not expected on the first treatment.  In most cases, about 50% of the treated spider and varicose veins will be gone; however, new veins continually appear and additional treatments are generally required for optimum results.  These treatments are commonly in two to three week intervals.

After vein removal you will be required to elevate your legs for a two to four hour period.  This allows blood from entering the treated vein which helps keep the vein closed.  Bruises around the treated areas usually disappear after the first week.  A tan or brownish pigment may develop and persist for several weeks when larger varicose veins are involved.  Occasionally the treated vein becomes hard to touch and darker in color.  This is not a cause for concern, but actually the first step in the removal process. 

Patients are generally encouraged to resume normal activities very quickly; however, heavy exercise in discouraged for the first 48 hours after vein removal treatment.  Although your final results may not be apparent for several months, most patients experience an 80% to 90% improvement.

The cost of varicose vein and spider vein removal depends on the number of treatments required.  Some insurance companies consider sclerotherapy to be a cosmetic procedure and will not consider it a covered benefit.  However, some companies will pay benefits if your pain and discomfort impedes your normal activities.  Our office manager will be happy to discuss your insurance coverage with you.

Dr. Junker is a leading cosmetic physician in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area and has been helping patients for over 10 years. Schedule a free consultation to discover how varicose vein removal and spider vein removal will ease your discomfort and improve your appearance.