What is Sclerotherapy?
As a medical procedure, sclerotherapy will involve injecting a solution to directly affect the veins — specifically targeting spider veins. Also called telangiectasia, these veins may be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, obesity, medications, blood clots, and some other medical conditions. Our team of trusted practitioners recognizes the branching patterns of spider veins on the face and legs that are easy to see but nearly impossible to remove on your own. Some of our patients try to conceal their unwanted red, blue, or purple spider veins with makeup or underneath clothing. Our practitioners offer sclerotherapy to reduce or eliminate the appearance of spider veins on the face and body by injecting a sclerosing solution directly into the vein. This is a minimally invasive procedure with no required recovery period. Schedule a consultation at Advanced Dermatology in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX to learn more about nonsurgical sclerotherapy, as well as other cosmetic services.
What Are The Benefits Of Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy in Houston, TX at Advanced Dermatology offers wide-ranging cosmetic and functional benefits for clearer, healthier-looking skin, including:
- No incisions, surgery, or scarring
- Dramatically reduces the appearance of spider veins
- Treats veins on the face and body
- Reduces discomfort and pain
- Enhances the overall appearance of the legs and skin
- Treatments are quick and easy
- Little to no recovery time
- Safe and effective
- Results are fast
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Who is an Ideal Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is best for patients who have small to medium blood vessels that are visible through the skin of their face and body. Typically, these spider veins are most prominent on the thighs and lower legs so patients may avoid wearing shorts, swimsuits, or other clothing that don't cover their spider veins. Sclerotherapy patients should be in good health before their treatment to avoid complications. Patients should not be pregnant or have a history of blood clots.
How is Sclerotherapy Performed?
Sclerotherapy can be performed in one of our treatment rooms quickly and without any anesthesia. The spider veins being treated will be identified, and the skin will be sanitized with alcohol. A fine-gauge needle will be inserted into the vein and the sclerosing solution will be applied. The needle will be removed and a bandage will be applied to the injection site to stop any minor bleeding. This process will be repeated until all spider veins have been treated. The sclerosing solution will irritate the blood vessel’s lining and cause it to swell, merge, and eventually clot. As time goes by, these vessels will become scar tissues that fade from view eventually.
What Should I Expect After Sclerotherapy?
You can anticipate mild itching at the injection site at least for two days after the sclerotherapy treatment. It is possible to experience raised areas that are red there and should disappear in a few days. It is common to bruise in the area of treatment and can last from several days to a few weeks. You will be able to drive home on your own and go back to doing normal activities after sclerotherapy. We will encourage you to walk around but not to do exercises that are too strenuous until we lift the restriction.
You will be advised by one of our medical professionals to wear medical-grade support hosiery in order to continually compress the vessels administered with the treatment for up to 14 days, depending on specifications. Please avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory medicines for at least two weeks — relieve pain with Tylenol if needed.
Sclerotherapy Video
Sclerotherapy FAQ
What does sclerotherapy cost?
How much your sclerotherapy regimen will cost depends on the size of the veins, the number of veins treated, and several other considerations. In your consultation, we will examine your veins and listen to your concerns. Then we will work with you to create a personalized sclerotherapy treatment program. Once completed, we can estimate your costs and go over payment options.
How is sclerotherapy different from laser vein treatments?
Laser vein treatments use focused light energy to coagulate the vein, causing the body to absorb it. Sclerotherapy injects a specially formulated solution to shrink the vein until it disappears. This makes sclerotherapy a better option for people who have medium to larger spider veins and varicose veins.
Does sclerotherapy work on the hands and face?
Yes, it can. Sclerotherapy can be used on the face and hands to address varicose and spider veins, vascular blemishes, and broken blood vessels. For situations where sclerotherapy is not recommended, laser vein treatments may be an effective alternative.
Will I need to wear compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
Yes, at Advanced Dermatology, our doctors recommend wearing compression socks after receiving sclerotherapy treatments. Compression socks help to increase blood flow, boost healing, minimize bruising, and help the treated veins remain closed. During your consultation and after your treatment, we will talk to you about how long you should wear compression socks (typically about 2 – 3 weeks).
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, often described as a mild stinging sensation.
How many sessions are needed for optimal results?
The number of sessions varies based on individual needs and the severity of the veins, but many patients require multiple treatments for optimal results.
Veins: NO MOre!
The branching spider veins on your face and body can be frustrating as they multiply over time so learn more about sclerotherapy at Advanced Dermatology in Katy, League City, Pearland, or Sugar Land, TX to eliminate your problem. We can help you create a custom treatment plan with sclerotherapy and talk about other cosmetic services that will help you look and feel your best.
