Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for stubborn spider and varicose veins in which a liquid is directly injected into the veins by Dr. Steven Bengelsdorf. This liquid solution goes directly into the damaged vein, causing the lining of the blood vessel to swell, seal shut, and fade away over time. Because the veins are no longer functioning, blood flow takes another route through other working veins in the leg. The medications used for sclerotherapy come in two forms: liquid and foam.

We offer a modern approach of sclerotherapy by using a sclerosing agent mixed with air that creates a foam like texture. When the foam is injected into the vein, the foam expands and pushes out the old blood and comes into full contact with the vein wall, causing it to shrink and collapse. Foam sclerotherapy is a wonderful solution for small-medium size veins.

Sclerotherapy is exclusively performed by our board-certified physician, Dr. Bengelsdorf. Depending on where the injection site is, clients may be laying down or seated in one of our treatment chairs. A small butterfly needle is inserted into the vein and then the medication is slowly released into the vein. The foam interacts locally at the level of the vein wall and then quickly deactivates. The vein changes color as the medication is injected, confirming successful placement of the drug. The needle is then removed, and a sterile gauze and tape are then applied at the site to minimize bleeding and bruising. A compression garment is then applied to the treated area. Treatments are 30-45 minutes in length depending on how many areas are being treated.

Most clients find the injections to be very tolerable, reporting little to no discomfort. The treatments itself are quick and require no sedation or anesthetic. Depending on the severity and desired results, clients may need 2-6 treatments about 8-10 weeks apart.

Very few clients have stated that there is a mild tingling/stinging sensation when the injections are administered. This feeling usually lasts a few seconds and most people would say sclerotherapy is not painful. The injection itself is very tolerable and can be compared to a pinch or prick. In days following the treatment, there may be some soreness, swelling or bruising surrounding the injection site. This is normal and typically resolves after a few days. Patients should avoid sun exposure to treated areas for at least two weeks following the injections as well as any intense forms of exercise for 72 hours. Patients should aim to walk for 30 minutes a day following their treatment to accelerate the healing process. Depending on the treated area, clients may have to continue use of a compression garment for up to two weeks.

While sclerotherapy doesn’t always yield instant results, it is possible to watch your veins disappear when the treatment is happening! In the weeks following the treatment, the treated veins will slowly begin to fade. There may be surrounding vein clusters that will require additional treatment. It can take as long as two months and multiple treatments before the final results from sclerotherapy are visible and the veins and completely faded. Once your veins are gone, results do last a long time, although they are not necessarily permanent.

Generally, adults who are in good health with concerns about spider veins or varicose veins are considered good candidates for sclerotherapy. However, there are some exceptions. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, sclerotherapy may not be the best treatment for you. If you’re ready to restore your confidence, ask our physician if sclerotherapy is the right for you!