Minimally invasive treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spider veins. These veins often appear on the legs and can cause discomfort, swelling or cosmetic concerns. In this procedure, the vessels are irritated by an injection of glycerin. Causing them to compress and close down.Sclerotherapy offers effective outpatient treatment with little downtime and long-lasting results for many patients.
Understanding vein concerns
Venous disease occurs when veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart, often due to weakened or damaged valves. This can lead to visible veins, discomfort, swelling or heaviness in the legs. Sclerotherapy is most commonly used to treat spider veins that develop as part of venous disease.
Sclerotherapy treatment
Sclerotherapy is performed by vascular specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group’s Vein Clinic in an outpatient clinical setting. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Patients are able to return home or to work immediately after treatment.
How sclerotherapy works
During the procedure a vascular provider:
- Injects a specialized solution directly into the diseased vein using a fine needle.
- The solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to close.
- Blood flow reroutes through nearby healthy veins.
- Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body and fades.
Depending on the number and size of veins, multiple injections may be performed during a single visit. Some patients may benefit from more than one treatment session.
Benefits of sclerotherapy
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- No surgical incisions
- Little to no downtime
- Improves vein appearance
- Relieves leg discomfort related to vein disease
- Can slow progression of venous disease
What to expect after sclerotherapy
After treatment, patients may experience mild redness, bruising or swelling at injection sites thattypically resolves within a few days. Compression stockings will be recommended to support healing and improve results. Walking is encouraged, but strenuous activity may be limited for a short time.
Most patients resume normal daily activities the same day.
Is sclerotherapy right for you?
Sclerotherapy may be a good option if you have spider veins that cause leg discomfort, fatigue or cosmetic concerns. It is often chosen by patients who want a nonsurgical treatment with little downtime and who are in generally good health. During your visit, a vascular specialist will review your symptoms, perform a physical exam and may order an ultrasound to evaluate blood flow in your veins. This assessment helps determine whether sclerotherapy is the most appropriate treatment or if another vein procedure would better address your condition.
Get started
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Vascular Center, in partnership with Georgia Heart Institute, provides comprehensive vein care using advanced diagnostic tools and proven minimally invasive treatments. Our experienced vascular specialists treat the full spectrum of venous disease and tailor care plans to each patient’s needs.
Because sclerotherapy is often not covered by medical insurance, NGPG offers a self-pay option. The cost is $350 and includes the procedure with three syringes of treatment.
If you would like to learn more about sclerotherapy or schedule a consultation, please choose a provider below and make an appointment.
