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How Long Does Sclerotherapy Take to Work?

Spider Veins are smaller clusters of purple/blue veins that appear near the surface of the skin, typically around the thigh, behind the knee, or around the ankles. Although they are visible through the skin, they do not “bulge” and are typically painless. One of Kansas City’s most experienced vein doctors, Dr. Craig Schwartz is unique in that he treats varicose veins with a 1-2 treatment of the gold-standard Sclerotherapy injections, often followed with a topical laser treatment to “clean up” the tiniest veins that are too small for the needle used during Sclerotherapy. Although they are typically cosmetic in nature, large clusters of spider veins, especially near the ankle, can sometimes be a symptom of an issue deep within the venous system, so it’s important to schedule a consultation with an experienced vein doctor.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment in the elimination of spider veins. This minimally invasive treatment closes off spider veins permanently, allowing the body to absorb them over time. Blood is then re-routed through healthier veins and blood vessels in the treated limb.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Sclerotherapy works by injecting an agent called a sclerosant into the problem veins. This solution causes irritation to the walls of the vein, eventually causing their scarring and collapse. Once the vein has collapsed, the blood no longer flows through them, and the body naturally eliminates these non-functioning veins over a period of weeks. Other healthy veins take over the blood flow from the tiny closed veins.

How Long Does Sclerotherapy Take to Work?

The sclerosant injected into the spider veins irritates the veins, causing them to collapse. After each treatment, each injection area will appear as a tiny red mosquito bite and may be slightly itchy. Over the course of two weeks, the veins will likely appear darker in coloring, and bruising may occur. During this time, we tell our patients that they will most likely look worse than they did before treatment. Throughout the next 4-6 weeks, the treated spider veins will slowly fade. Larger clusters will require additional injections, and the cycle will repeat itself. Most spider vein patients require a series of 4-6 treatment sessions spaced 6 weeks apart. Larger clusters will fade over the course of months, not days or weeks.

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

What is Getting Sclerotherapy Like?

Dr. Schwartz provides first time spider vein patients with an initial extended treatment session (approximately 40 minutes) to clear as many spider veins as possible. Follow-up sessions (typically 3-5 additional sessions will be needed) will run approximately 20 minutes. Dr. Schwartz performs this as an outpatient procedure with no recovery time after treatment. You may feel some minor stinging or a pinch during the injection, but no significant discomfort. Each patient is required to wear prescription-grade compression stockings for a period of time following each treatment to assist in the healing process.

Is There Any Downtime With Sclerotherapy?

After sclerotherapy, you may experience some bruising, stinging, and swelling, which should improve within a few days. Dr. Schwartz recommends taking 24 hours before engaging in any activity that will raise the heart rate, such as exercise or hard work.

You should walk frequently and avoid sitting for long periods of time to keep blood flowing, and you will be encouraged to resume normal activities as soon as possible to keep you active and moving. Promoting healthy blood flow will help the body remove the collapsed vein and prevent the blood from forming clots.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins will sometimes accompany varicose veins, but will often appear on their own. Factors influencing the development of spider veins include:

Genetics
Standing for long periods of time
Obesity
Hormones, including pregnancy
A history of blood clots
High blood pressure

Am I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Good candidates for sclerotherapy present with visible spider veins that Dr. Schwartz has determined will respond well to this treatment. Patients should be in overall good health and should tell the doctor about any history of blood clots or similar problems. Smoking contributes to cardiovascular problems and poor healing, and it’s advised that people undergoing vein treatments should avoid smoking. Dr. Schwartz will present each patient with the expected number of treatments that will be needed to fully clear the spider veins, although new spider veins may develop.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.

It was a good experience. Taylor walked me through exactly what would happen and how things would feel along the process. That help put me at ease about the whole process.

The staff is very attentive, friendly and caring. Dr. Schwartz is the best doctor in the Kansas State area. He is professional and knows what he is doing. I am very pleased with the results and will continue to see him for all my vein and body needs.

Very pleased with services and procedures I will definitely recommend your office to my friends who need and want their vein problems solved.

Very professional service, explained treatments very thoroughly and felt like I mattered as a patient. I will definitely go back and I will recommend to my friends and family. I was treated with courtesy and respect.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about sclerotherapy, call us at (913) 451-8346 or complete our online contact form. Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO, and proudly serves Overland Park, Johnson County, and the entire Kansas City metro area.

** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If anyone has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.