Vein Injections for Spider Veins (Sclerotherapy)

Vein injections for spider veins are known as sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy has been used to treat spider veins since the 1930s. Sclerotherapy involves the direct injection of a solution, known as a sclerosant, into the vein with a fine needle. Generally, a salt solution is used as the sclerosant. The sclerosant irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and clotting the blood. Eventually, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades.

How It Works

Vein injections for spider veins take approximately 15 to 30 minutes to perform. Mild discomfort may be felt during the procedure. The number of veins injected in one session will vary depending on the size and location of the veins. The spider veins typically respond to sclerotherapy within three to six weeks of the procedure. The veins that respond to treatment will not reappear, but there is always a possibility that new veins will appear in neighboring areas over time.

50 to 80 percent of spider veins can be eliminated in each treatment session, and the success rate of the procedure is high. However, repeated treatments with sclerotherapy may be necessary at six to twelve week intervals in order to achieve the best results.

Before the Procedure

Antibiotics (tetracycline and minocin) should not be taken for 7 to 10 days before and after the procedure, and anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin and ibuprofen) should not be taken for 48 hours before and after the procedure. Prednisone decreases the effectiveness of the sclerosant, so if you are taking it, ask the doctor for safe guidelines on how to safely discontinue its use.

After the Procedure

After receiving vein injections for spider veins, you can resume normal activity. You will be encouraged to walk, and the doctor may instruct you to wear compression stockings for at least a week after treatment in order to compress the treated veins. If you experience any discomfort, you can take the pain medication that the doctor prescribes.

For seven to ten days after the procedure, avoid jogging, high-impact aerobics, direct exposure to sunlight, and swimming. In addition, to not take hot baths or sit in a Jacuzzi or sauna. You can take a shower immediately after sclerotherapy, but try using water that’s cooler than usual. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash the treatment sites.

Side Effects

Side effects of sclerotherapy include itching, stinging, pain, redness, raised areas, temporary bruising, and small, painful ulcers at the treatment sites. Most symptoms will disappear within a few days after treatment.

Best Candidates

Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or bedridden is not eligible for sclerotherapy. You must wait at least three months after giving birth to get sclerotherapy. If you are taking birth control pills, you are eligible for vein injections. For those who have had blood clots in the past, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.