Does sclerotherapy work instantaneously?

Does sclerotherapy work instantaneously?  For some patients, spider veins disappear right before their eyes during sclerotherapy.  Most patients will initially have increased redness as the veins shut down, and then will notice an improved appearance after a few days or weeks.  The key to successful sclerotherapy is injection of the medication directly into the spider vein.  Polidocanol (or Asclera) is the FDA approved medication we use at the Vein Institute of Blue Bell.  This medication irritates the wall of the spider vein and causes it to collapse. This collapsed vein is then slowly absorbed and fades away completely.

Our sclerotherapy treatments are divided into 20 minute intervals.  The procedure does not require anesthesia, hospitalization or patient preparation.  There is mild discomfort during the procedure. Almost all of our of patients report no pain after the procedure is done.

Successfully treated spider veins never reappear.  In some patients, new spider veins may occur after the initial spider veins are treated.  These patients should be tested for venous insufficiency.  Underlying vein disease is often the undiagnosed root cause of spider veins.  We hope to see you in a consultation to help determine the best treatment for your legs.