If spider veins or bulging varicose veins are keeping you from wearing what you want — or your legs ache and feel heavy at the end of the day — sclerotherapy is one of the most trusted, minimally invasive ways to treat them. This guide explains what sclerotherapy is, what it treats, what to expect during and after treatment, cost, and how to know if it is right for you.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a specialist injects a sterile solution directly into a problem vein. The solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over time the treated vein is reabsorbed by your body and fades from view, while blood naturally reroutes to healthy veins. There are no incisions and no general anesthesia — the treatment is done in the office in a single short visit.
What does sclerotherapy treat: spider veins vs. varicose veins
Spider veins are small, thin red or blue veins that sit close to the surface of the skin, often on the thighs, calves, or ankles. Varicose veins are larger, bulging, ropey veins that can cause aching, swelling, heaviness, and skin changes. Sclerotherapy is highly effective for spider veins and smaller varicose veins. Larger varicose veins or underlying vein disease may be better treated with, or combined with, other options such as EVLT or Varithena.
How sclerotherapy works, step by step
- Evaluation — your legs and veins are assessed to plan the right treatment and rule out underlying vein disease.
- Injection — a fine needle delivers the sclerosing solution into each target vein; most patients feel only a minor pinch.
- Compression — pressure and compression stockings help the treated veins stay closed.
- Fading — over the following weeks, the treated veins shrink and gradually disappear.
Is sclerotherapy right for you?
Sclerotherapy is a strong option if you have visible spider veins or smaller varicose veins and want a quick, minimally invasive treatment. Take the quick self-check below, then confirm with a specialist.
Do your legs need a vein evaluation?
Answer a few quick questions. Your answers stay on your device.
Do you have bulging, ropey, or spider veins on your legs?
Do your legs ache, throb, swell, or feel heavy - especially after standing?
Have these symptoms lasted more than a few weeks?
Would you prefer a minimally invasive treatment with little downtime?
0 of 4 answered
What to expect: sessions and results
A typical sclerotherapy session takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how many veins are treated. Many patients need a series of two to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best cosmetic and symptom results. Smaller veins tend to fade within a few weeks, while larger veins can take a month or more and may require additional sessions.
Recovery and aftercare
Sclerotherapy has very little downtime. Most patients:
- Return to normal daily activities the same day
- Wear compression stockings for a short period as directed
- Walk regularly to support healthy circulation
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and hot baths for a few days
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
Cost depends on how many veins and sessions are needed and whether the treatment is medical or cosmetic. Treatment of medically symptomatic varicose veins is often covered by insurance, while purely cosmetic spider vein treatment may be out of pocket. Mark Medical Care accepts most major insurance plans and helps you understand your coverage and options before you begin.
Why choose Mark Medical Care
Vein care is where Mark Medical Care began. Under Dr. Ron Mark — known locally as “The Vein Doctor,” with over 20 years restoring healthy veins — our bilingual team offers minimally invasive treatment at 8 convenient locations across Queens, the Bronx, Long Island, and Manhattan.
Finding vein treatment near you
Explore our varicose vein treatments and sclerotherapy pages, or see all our locations. Worried your leg symptoms could be something more serious? Learn what deep vein thrombosis feels like. The best next step is a quick vein evaluation.
Preventing new spider and varicose veins
Sclerotherapy treats the veins you have now, but healthy habits help slow new ones from forming. Vein specialists commonly recommend:
- Moving regularly and avoiding long stretches of sitting or standing without a break
- Elevating your legs at the end of the day to ease pressure
- Wearing compression stockings if you stand for work
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on leg veins
- Avoiding prolonged heat exposure, which can dilate veins
These steps will not erase existing veins, but combined with treatment they support long-term results and healthier circulation.
Sclerotherapy vs. laser vein treatment
Patients often ask whether laser is better than injections. For most spider veins and small varicose veins on the legs, sclerotherapy remains the gold standard because it reaches the vein directly and treats a network of veins efficiently. Surface laser can be useful for tiny veins or areas where injections are difficult, and larger underlying veins may need endovenous laser (EVLT). The right choice depends on your specific veins, which is exactly what an evaluation determines.
Ready to love your legs again?
Our specialists treat spider and varicose veins with minimally invasive vein treatments at our 8 convenient NY locations. Most insurance plans can cover medically necessary care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients feel only a minor pinch or slight stinging as the solution is injected. It is well tolerated and does not require anesthesia.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how many veins are treated. Many patients need two to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best results.
Is there downtime after sclerotherapy?
Very little. Most people return to normal activities the same day, wearing compression stockings and avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period.
Does insurance cover sclerotherapy?
Medically necessary treatment of varicose veins is often covered by insurance, while purely cosmetic spider vein treatment may not be. Our team helps you understand your coverage.
When will I see results?
Smaller spider veins often fade within a few weeks, while larger veins can take a month or more. Some veins need more than one session.
Is sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy is a well-established, minimally invasive treatment with a strong safety record when performed by an experienced provider.