Aesthetics & Skin
Sclerotherapy
Targeted treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins.
Treatment Overview
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins, most commonly found on the legs. During treatment, a specialized solution is injected directly into the targeted vein, causing it to close. Blood is naturally redirected through healthier veins, and the treated vein gradually fades over time.
Results
A Gradual Improvement
Improvement from sclerotherapy is gradual. Treated veins often begin fading within several weeks, while full results may take approximately 6–12 weeks. Larger veins may require additional time or multiple treatment sessions. New spider veins may develop over time, so maintenance treatments may occasionally be recommended.
Before Your Appointment
Pre-Treatment Instructions
24–48 Hours Before Treatment
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning of the treatment area.
- Do not apply lotions, oils, self-tanners, or creams to your legs on the day of treatment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.
Medications
Unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider:
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours before treatment because they may increase bruising.
- If medically appropriate, avoid supplements that may increase bruising, including fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort, for approximately one week.
- Do not stop taking prescription blood thinners without approval from the prescribing provider.
Please Inform Your Provider If You
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Have previously experienced a blood clot, DVT, or pulmonary embolism.
- Have a clotting disorder.
- Have an active infection or open wound on your legs.
- Have recently undergone surgery or been hospitalized.
- Have new swelling or pain in either leg.
Please Bring
- Compression stockings providing 20–30 mmHg of compression, unless instructed otherwise.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Shorts or loose-fitting pants.
After Your Treatment
Post-Treatment Care
Compression Stockings
- Wear compression stockings continuously for the first 24 hours unless your provider instructs you otherwise.
- After the first day, wear them during the daytime for the next 7–14 days. Remove them only for sleeping and bathing unless directed differently by your provider.
Walking
- Walk for 20–30 minutes immediately following treatment.
- Continue walking for at least 20–30 minutes each day during the following week.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing during the first 24 hours.
Activity
- For the first 48 hours, avoid running, heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, and strenuous lower-body workouts. Light walking is encouraged.
Heat
- For approximately one week, avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, very hot baths, and prolonged hot showers. Heat can dilate blood vessels and reduce treatment effectiveness.
Sun Exposure
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning until bruising or discoloration has completely resolved.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever your legs are exposed.
Skin Care
- You may shower after 24 hours.
- Wash the treated area gently with mild soap.
- You may moisturize after the first day.
- Avoid aggressive massage of treated veins unless instructed by your provider.
- Do not scratch or pick at treatment sites.
What’s Normal
Normal Side Effects
The following effects are common and usually temporary:
- Mild tenderness
- Bruising
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Small, firm areas beneath the skin
- Brown discoloration over treated veins
- Dark or tender areas caused by trapped blood
These symptoms typically improve over several weeks.
When to Contact Elevate Evansville
Contact Elevate Evansville promptly if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Significant swelling of the entire leg
- A fever above 100.4°F
- Increasing redness or warmth spreading from the injection sites
- Drainage or other signs of infection
- Large blisters or open sores
- Difficulty walking because of pain
- Persistent numbness
Emergency Warning
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden dizziness or fainting
- Severe one-sided leg swelling accompanied by significant pain
These symptoms are rare but require immediate medical evaluation.
Follow-Up
Checking Your Progress
Your provider may recommend a follow-up appointment in approximately 4–8 weeks to evaluate your results and determine whether additional treatment is recommended.
Your Next Step
Ready to Learn if Sclerotherapy Is Right for You?
Schedule a consultation with Elevate Evansville to receive a personalized treatment recommendation from one of our experienced providers.
Treatment recommendations and results vary by patient. A consultation with an Elevate Evansville healthcare provider is required to determine whether sclerotherapy is appropriate for you.