Those thin red, blue, or purple lines on your legs are more common than you might think. Long hours of standing at work, pregnancy, genetics, and simply getting older can all lead to spider veins and varicose veins. While they are often harmless, many people feel self-conscious wearing shorts, skirts, or swimwear because of them.
One of the most trusted treatments for these veins is sclerotherapy. In this guide, we explain how sclerotherapy works, how many sessions you may need, what results look like, possible side effects, and what affects the cost, so you can decide with confidence.
What Are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?
- Spider veins (telangiectasias) are tiny, thread-like red, blue, or purple veins close to the surface of the skin. They often appear in a web or branch pattern on the thighs, calves, ankles, and sometimes the face.
- Varicose veins are larger, swollen, twisted veins that may bulge above the skin. They usually appear on the legs and can sometimes cause aching, heaviness, itching, or swelling.
Both happen when the small valves inside the veins weaken, causing blood to pool instead of flowing smoothly back to the heart.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Standing or sitting for long periods: common among teachers, nurses, sales staff, and office workers
- Genetics: if your parents have them, you are more likely to develop them
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy, birth control pills, and menopause
- Age: vein valves naturally weaken over time
- Excess weight: adds pressure on the leg veins
- Heat: warm weather can make veins more visible and legs feel heavier
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which the doctor injects a special medicine called a sclerosant directly into the unwanted vein using a very fine needle. The solution irritates the inner wall of the vein, causing it to close and seal shut. Over the following weeks, your body naturally absorbs the treated vein, and blood reroutes through healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy has been used for decades and is considered the gold-standard treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Sclerotherapy may be right for you if you have:
- Spider veins on the legs that bother you cosmetically
- Small to medium-sized varicose or reticular (blue-green) veins
- Good general health and realistic expectations
It may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are bedridden or unable to walk, or have certain allergies or medical conditions. Large, bulging varicose veins, or veins with symptoms like significant pain, swelling, skin changes, or leg ulcers, may need an ultrasound and evaluation by a vascular specialist first. Your doctor will check this during your consultation.
What to Expect During Sclerotherapy
- Consultation: The doctor examines your legs, reviews your medical history, and decides which veins can be treated.
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned. Your legs may be positioned slightly raised.
- Injections: Using a very fine needle, the doctor injects the sclerosant into each targeted vein. Most people feel only a small pinch or mild stinging.
- Compression: Light pressure or compression stockings are applied to help the treated veins close.
- Walk it out: You can walk right after and go home the same day.
A typical session takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most people need about 1 to 3 sessions, sometimes more for widespread veins. Sessions are usually spaced around 4 to 6 weeks apart so the treated veins have time to fade before the next round. Each vein may need more than one treatment to disappear completely.
Sclerotherapy Results: Before and After
Results are gradual. Here is what most patients can expect:
| Spider veins | Small varicose veins | |
|---|---|---|
| Visible improvement | Around 3 to 6 weeks | Around 3 to 4 months |
| Typical sessions | 1 to 3 | 2 or more |
| After treatment | Veins fade and become much less visible | Veins shrink and fade over time |
Treated veins generally do not come back. However, sclerotherapy does not stop new veins from forming in the future, especially if risk factors like long hours of standing continue. Many patients come back for occasional touch-ups.
Possible Side Effects
Sclerotherapy is considered safe when done by a trained, licensed doctor. Common, temporary side effects include:
- Bruising, redness, or small raised areas at the injection sites
- Itching or mild tenderness
- Brown lines or spots along the treated vein (hyperpigmentation), which usually fade over months. This can be more noticeable in medium to darker skin tones, so sun protection after treatment is important.
- Tiny new red vessels near the treated area (matting), which often fade on their own
Rare complications include small skin ulcers, allergic reactions, or blood clots. Tell your doctor right away if you notice severe pain, significant swelling in the leg, warmth, or shortness of breath after treatment.
Aftercare Tips
- Wear compression stockings as instructed by your doctor, usually for several days to a few weeks.
- Walk regularly. Light walking helps circulation and healing.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about 2 days.
- Skip hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs for a few days.
- Protect the treated areas from the sun to reduce the risk of dark spots.
- Avoid long periods of sitting or standing without moving.
How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?
The cost of sclerotherapy depends on:
- The number and size of veins being treated
- The size of the treatment area (one leg, both legs, or another area)
- The type of sclerosant solution used
- The number of sessions you need
Because every patient’s veins are different, the most accurate way to know your cost is through a consultation. Be cautious of very cheap offers, since the quality of the solution and the doctor’s skill directly affect your results and safety. For a personalized quote, message or call us.
Sclerotherapy vs Other Vein Treatments
Sclerotherapy is usually the first choice for spider veins and small varicose veins. Very large varicose veins, or veins caused by deeper valve problems, may be better treated with other procedures such as endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, which are performed by vascular specialists. Sometimes a combination works best. Your doctor will recommend the right path for your veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Most patients feel only a small pinch or mild stinging with each injection. The needles are very fine, and most people tolerate the procedure well without anesthesia.
Is there downtime after sclerotherapy?
Very little. Most people walk out of the clinic and return to normal daily activities the same day, while avoiding strenuous exercise for a couple of days.
Can sclerotherapy treat varicose veins permanently?
Treated veins usually do not return. However, new veins can still develop over time, so occasional maintenance sessions may be needed.
Can I wear shorts or skirts right after?
Bruising and redness are common in the first few weeks, and compression stockings may be needed. Many patients plan treatment a few months before special events or beach trips so their legs look their best.
Is sclerotherapy safe for Filipino skin?
Yes, when performed by an experienced doctor. Medium to darker skin tones may have a higher chance of temporary dark marks along the treated veins, so careful technique and good sun protection after treatment are important.
Get Sclerotherapy in Iligan City at Jossa
If spider or varicose veins are keeping you from feeling confident in your skin, we are here to help. At Jossa Aesthetic and Medical Clinic, Dr. Johaylyne S. Salbo-Abbas will examine your veins, explain your options, and create a treatment plan that is safe and right for you. Learn more about our sclerotherapy treatment in Iligan City.
📍 2nd Floor, Maramara Bldg, 2nd East St., Rosario Heights, Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City
📞 Book your consultation today at 0991 412 3269
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results and recovery vary from person to person.