Cosmetic Sclerotherapy at Texas Endovascular

Providing advanced treatment to restore the health and appearance of your legs.

Nearly 80% of men and 85% of women will experience spider or varicose veins at some point in their lifetime.

While most prevalent in women with a family history of the condition, varicose veins can affect anyone at any age.

Although most patients do not have any severe underlying condition that causes spider or varicose veins, they can be unsightly, especially if their spider-like appearance becomes widespread across the thighs and lower legs.

Cosmetic sclerotherapy is one of the most effective and minimally invasive ways to treat spider and varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency. This outpatient procedure provides minimal downtime, improved vascular function, and long-term results.

Let’s explore this procedure in more detail, including what it is, how its performed, and the results you can expect.

What Is Cosmetic Sclerotherapy?

Cosmetic sclerotherapy is a vascular procedure that treats asymptomatic varicose and spider veins near the skin’s surface.

It’s often considered the treatment of choice for small varicose veins on the legs because it’s fast, minimally invasive, and requires no sedation or anesthesia.

While cosmetic sclerotherapy improves the appearance of the affected areas, this treatment also effectively reduces any symptoms associated with the condition.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

Before performing sclerotherapy, your vein doctor will conduct a thorough examination and review of your medical history to determine whether the spider or varicose veins are a minor cosmetic problem or if they indicate a more serious underlying health issue.

Your course of treatment will be solely based on the doctor’s assessment and personalized health goals.

During the sclerotherapy procedure, a vascular specialist injects a solution into the affected vein.

Once the solution enters the veins, it works in two ways:

Forces blood to reroute to healthier veins
Collapses damaged veins (which are then reabsorbed into local tissue)

It may require more than one session to treat your spider veins thoroughly. Most patients can return to work or other activities quickly.

Over time, the damaged veins shrink and disappear on the skin’s surface.

How Is Cosmetic Sclerotherapy Performed?

On the day of the procedure, you’ll lie on your back with your legs elevated.

First, a vascular specialist cleanses the area with alcohol.

Once properly cleaned, a vascular doctor will use a fine needle to inject a solution into the affected veins.

The liquid solution in the injection works by irritating the lining of the vein. This causes it to swell shut and block blood flow through the vein completely.

Some solutions may contain a local anesthetic called lidocaine.

Some patients may experience minor stinging or cramping when the needle is inserted. If you experience high pain levels, it is essential to let your doctor know, as it could indicate the solution leaked from the vein into surrounding tissues.

After each injection, your doctor will apply compression and massage the area to keep blood out of the vein and disperse the solution.

The number of injections you receive depends on the number and size of the affected veins.

After-Care and Results

Immediately following treatment, you can get up and walk around.

You’ll need to wear compression stockings for at least one week following sclerotherapy.

Most patients can return to normal activities immediately but should avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks.

Avoid sun exposure for up to two weeks as it could lead to uneven or darkened skin in the treated areas.

For most, results will appear in three to six weeks for small spider veins. Full results for more prominent varicose veins may take up to six months.

It is important to remember these after-care guidelines and timelines are generalized.

Please follow your doctor’s specific instructions throughout the entirety of your treatment and post-procedure care.

Risks and Side Effects

There are minimal risks associated with cosmetic sclerotherapy.

Typical, temporary side effects may include:

Bruising
Raised red areas
Skin sores
Darkened skin at the injection site
The appearance of multiple tiny red blood vessels

These minor side effects usually subside within a few days to several weeks following treatment.

In rare cases, more serious side effects may include:

An allergic reaction to the medication
Inflammation
Blood clots
Air bubbles at the injection site

Advanced Sclerotherapy in Houston and Dallas

For many patients, spider and varicose veins are often harmless, but their appearance can take a toll on overall self-esteem and confidence.

Cosmetic sclerotherapy is an excellent option if you’re living with unsightly varicose veins (or experiencing new or worsening symptoms). It can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins and alleviate symptoms simultaneously.

The team of vascular specialists at Texas Endovascular is here to help you reduce the appearance of spider and varicose veins and restore vein health.

You don’t have to live with unsightly varicose veins on your legs, visit our Vein Treatment Center in Texas for expert care. Get sclerotherapy in Houston or Dallas. Schedule an appointment today to learn more and get started.