Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a proven, minimally invasive treatment used to eliminate varicose and spider veins, improving both the appearance and comfort of your legs.

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins Spider Veins

Varicose Veins in the US

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, or twisted veins that typically appear dark purple or blue.  These veins appear when damaged valves in the veins allow blood to pool or flow in the wrong direction.  They most often develop in the legs and feet, particularly in the calves, due to the increased pressure of standing and walking upright.  Symptoms of varicose veins can include muscle cramps, aching legs, swollen feet and ankles, burning or throbbing in your legs, dry and itchy skin over the vein, and skin discoloration.  Several treatment options are available, such as lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or medical procedures like sclerotherapy.

Varicose Veins by the Numbers

Approximately

0 %
of people in the U.S. have varicose veins.

That number jumps to 

0 %
at ages of 50 and over.

Board-Certified Providers

All Our Providers are Board-Certified and State-Licensed Medical Professionals.

Unmatched Expertise

Our Providers Have Years of Experience Diagnosing and Treating Skin Conditions.

Comprehensive Care

We Provide Medical Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Aesthetic Services.

Qualified
Staff

Our Staff Is Ready to Help You and Your Family With All of Your Dermatological Needs.

Expert Dermatology Care for the Entire Family

What is Sclerotherapy?

At Blue Ridge Dermatology, we use sclerotherapy to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins.  Sclerotherapy has been in use since the 1930s and has proven to be an effective treatment for varicose and spider veins.  The term comes from the word “sclerosant,” which is the solution used to inject into the vein.  Combine that with the word “therapy,” and you have the technical term for this procedure. 

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

The sclerotherapy procedure involves injecting a solution, known as a sclerosant (mentioned above), directly into the targeted vein using a fine needle. This solution irritates the vein’s inner lining, causing it to swell, collapse and stick together, effectively blocking the blood flow. Over time, the treated vein turns into scar tissue and gradually fades, becoming less visible or disappearing entirely. The body naturally reroutes the blood flow through healthier veins, improving overall circulation. While the treatment doesn’t prevent new varicose or spider veins from developing, it’s an effective way to reduce the appearance and discomfort of existing problematic veins.

Sclerotherapy Benefits

Sclerotherapy provides several benefits for individuals dealing with varicose veins and spider veins.  Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Improved Appearance: One of the most significant benefits of sclerotherapy is the improvement in the appearance of the legs (or other treated areas).  By eliminating or reducing the appearance of unsightly varicose and spider veins, individuals often feel more confident and comfortable showing their legs.
  2. Relief from Symptoms: Varicose veins and spider veins can cause physical discomfort, including aching, swelling, burning, and night cramps.  Sclerotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms.
  3. Minimally Invasive: Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure that involves simple injections, which means it typically has a quicker recovery time compared to surgical alternatives.  At Blue Ridge Dermatology, we perform our treatments in our office. 
  4. Prevent Complications: If left untreated, varicose veins can sometimes lead to more serious complications, such as venous leg ulcers or blood clots.  By treating these veins, sclerotherapy can help prevent these complications.
Sclerotherapy in Legs

Expert Dermatology Care for the Entire Family

Who is a good candidate?

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for varicose and spider veins, but not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. Here are some general guidelines on who would make a good candidate:

  1. Individuals with Visible Varicose or Spider Veins: If you have visible varicose or spider veins that you find cosmetically unappealing or cause discomfort, you may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy.
  2. Healthy Individuals: Ideal candidates for sclerotherapy are generally in good health. If you have a cardiovascular disease or are at risk of developing blood clots, your healthcare provider might recommend against sclerotherapy.
  3. Non-pregnant and Non-nursing Women: Pregnant and nursing women are usually advised to wait until they have given birth or finished nursing before undergoing sclerotherapy.
  4. Mobility: Patients who are immobile may not be good candidates for sclerotherapy. After the procedure, it’s often recommended to walk and move around to help promote blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.
  5. People with Unsuccessful Conservative Treatment: If you have tried conservative treatments such as wearing compression stockings, improving your physical activity, or elevating your legs without satisfactory results, sclerotherapy could be a suitable option.

Another reason to consider Botox is that it is an affordable option for people who are looking to improve their appearance.  Compared to other cosmetic treatments, such as plastic surgery, Botox is relatively inexpensive, and its effects are temporary, so patients can decide whether they want to continue with the treatment or not.

Expert Dermatology Care for the Entire Family

What to Expect

Patients can generally expect to resume their normal activities immediately after the sclerotherapy procedure.  They may need to wear compression stockings for a few days or weeks to support healing and help improve blood flow.

It’s worth noting that sclerotherapy often requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and it does not prevent new varicose or spider veins from developing.  However, it’s widely considered to be an effective, minimally invasive treatment for reducing the appearance and discomfort of existing varicose and spider veins.

Remember, like all medical procedures, sclerotherapy should be performed by trained healthcare professionals.  It’s important to discuss your medical history and any potential risks or side effects with your provider before proceeding with treatment.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why someone might consider Botox, including its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, its ability to prevent future wrinkles from forming, its convenience, safety, affordability, and high satisfaction rate among patients.  If you are considering Botox, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office and schedule an appointment with one of our highly experienced Botox injectors to see if it is right for you. 

Subsribe To Our Newsletter

Stay in touch with us to get latest news and special offers.

Raleigh

3225 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612

Cary

1110 SE Cary Pkwy, Suite 100, Cary, NC 27518

Scroll to Top