Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
While most varicose veins are not dangerous and do not indicate a health concern, they can be uncomfortable and decrease your self-confidence. As we age, most people develop some level of varicose veins, especially if they have a genetic predisposition or have been pregnant. Still, if you find that yours affect your appearance or self-esteem, there are safe and effective ways to lessen their appearance or even remove them entirely.
At Berman Skin Institute, we’re committed to natural, lasting outcomes through cosmetic and medical dermatology services. Our recommended solution for most varicose veins is ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an injection-based procedure. During treatment, a physician or nurse uses a small needle to inject a safe solution into the vein that closes it off and prevents blood flow. We use an ultrasound to determine the best location for injection and monitor you during the treatment. Over time, the vein shrinks and ultimately breaks down to be flushed out by the body’s natural processes.
Most patients report minimal pain or discomfort during this procedure, even without anesthesia. The solution is low-risk, making it suitable for most people. It may take a few appointments for the veins to disappear completely — most people receive a few treatments every two to four weeks until they’re satisfied with the results.
Who Is a Candidate for Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Nearly any adult with varicose veins can be a candidate for sclerotherapy. In most cases, this treatment is performed on the legs, but we can also accommodate treatment around the eyes, on the arms and various other places. However, you may not be a good candidate for sclerotherapy if:
- You have a genetic predisposition to excessive clotting.
- You have an allergy to the medication.
During your consultation, our providers will help you determine whether this is the right procedure for you. If not, we have a comprehensive menu of services that may help.
How Can I Prepare for Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Prior to treatment, you’ll be told to avoid blood thinners for at least a week. Your provider will give you a full list of instructions based on your medical history. Major complications are unusual for this procedure, but you may experience some bruising and inflammation in the days following it.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure with little to no recovery time needed. You can return to your normal life almost immediately. You may be advised to wear stockings or dressings and do some minor exercise to maintain blood flow. Your provider will stay in contact with you through the weeks following your appointment to ensure everything is healing well and to determine whether you will require another round of treatment.
Book a Consultation for Sclerotherapy Near You
Find safe and effective sclerotherapy treatments at Berman Skin Institute, your cutting-edge provider of medical and cosmetic dermatology services. We have decades of specialty experience working with varicose and spider veins, and we are ready to help you look and feel your best.
Request your first consultation today, and let us work together to enhance your appearance. Our proven safety record and before-and-after gallery speak for themselves.
What Our Clients Say
I went here for a 1-off skin concern a year ago. The front desk scheduled a follow-up appointment without my knowledge for a year later. I missed their reminder call the day before the appointment (they called at 8 am and it went to voicemail). By the time I listened to their voicemails 2 days later I found out I would be charged $150 for missing the appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sclerotherapy
Traditional sclerotherapy involves the use of a very small needle, about the size of a hair, to inject a solution into unwanted or diseased veins. The solution works by causing an irritation to the inner lining of the vein, which causes the vein to slowly close off and gradually disappear. The solution is safe, with few allergic reactions reported. No anesthetic is necessary. Appointments are normally scheduled approximately two to four weeks apart. At your initial evaluation, you will be given an estimate of the number of treatments you might require as well as a statement of our fee policy.
Most patients with unwanted veins of the legs can undergo conventional sclerotherapy. Patients with genetic tendencies toward excessive clotting or allergies to the medications used would be excluded.
Reduction or elimination of unwanted spider or varicose veins.
Results may vary.
Bruising is possible. Ulceration and scar is almost never seen. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.
After the procedure, patients may return to normal activity immediately, avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately 10-14 days.
The tiny needle poses minimal to no discomfort during this treatment.
Before Treatment Instructions
Avoidance of blood thinners for one to two weeks before procedure.
After Treament Instructions
Non-buldging veins require no stockings. For patients with bulging veins, special dressings and pressure gradient stockings are placed over the treated legs. Patients are advised to take a brisk 15 to 20 minute walk immediately following sclerotherapy, and then patients can immediately return to work with avoidance of strenuous physical exercise. In two to four weeks, Our Physicians and/or assistants will examine the treated areas to check the effects of the sclerotherapy treatment, and consider further treatments to other veins if necessary.
Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.
Sclerotherapy Before & After Gallery
*Results may vary.
Find Your Nearest Location
Book an appointment at any of our below locations in Northern California:
Los Altos (Palo Alto)
Roseville
San Francisco
Pleasanton
Sacramento
Placerville
Walnut Creek
SF Bay Area – Fremont
Yuba City
Tracy
Sacramento – Cameron Park