Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat spider veins. The cost of Sclerotherapy treatment varies depending on the severity of spider veins for each patient. In addition, the symptoms from a spider vein that affect a patient’s health will also determine other related factors. The extent of the spider vein coverage will determine how many sessions may be needed to address the issues.
Cost of Sclerotherapy (Standard Sclerotherapy or Foam Sclerotherapy)
Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure and is not paid for by insurance in most cases. Sclerotherapy fees are paid by the patient at the time of service. Because spider veins may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, Rejuveination requires a physician examination prior to initiating treatment. The Physician visit will be billed to insurance and is subject to the terms of your insurance policy with regards to copayment and coinsurance. If a more serious underlying condition is suspected the Doctor may order a diagnostic ultrasound. If a more serious underlying condition is determined, it would need to be treated before the cosmetic sclero procedure could be performed. Contact our office for further information on Sclerotherapy pricing.
Are Spider Veins Indicative of an Underlying Condition?
Some get spider vein treatment purely for a cosmetic purpose. However, many individuals with spider veins get treatment to prevent themselves from reaching the next stages in vein disease.
A spider vein is simply a weakened vein that stops functioning properly in the leg area. This causes blood to pool in the leg area, which as a result creates a spider vein that sits just under the skin. Although many don’t experience pain, some individuals with spider veins experience aching pains, itchiness, heaviness, and cramps in their legs.
Those who experience these symptoms of discomfort may have an underlying condition. Vein disease, or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), can be detrimental to an individual’s health if no care is properly taken.
For those who undergo cosmetic sclerotherapy, it is normal to see definitive results shortly after the procedure. Multiple treatments may still be needed in order to achieve optimal results.
Do I Need Sclerotherapy?
Those who have severe cases of spider veins that cause any pain or discomfort may need to seek treatment. Spider veins that show any symptoms including:
- Heaviness or aching in legs
- Itchiness around veins in lower area of legs
- Skin discoloration around vein area
- Burning, swelling, throbbing, or cramping in veins
Spider veins are often found close to the surface of the skin, and become dark blue and red in color. Unlike varicose veins, the small spider veins do not aggressively bulge or twist. If these symptoms occur, you may need to seek assistance for Sclerotherapy treatment.
People Also Ask
Why do I need to keep my legs out of sunlight for six weeks after sclerotherapy treatment?
Patients undergoing sclerotherapy need to keep their legs out of sunlight for six weeks. This is because the chemical used to close the spider veins may react with sunlight causing a “staining” of the skin. Unfortunately this staining is very persistent and often permanent. The chemical does not react to most traditional indoor lighting but should not be subjected to lighting meant for the purpose of artificial tanning.
How many sessions of sclerotherapy are needed?
Although every patient is different, individuals often need two to four treatments for optimal results.
The actual number of treatments required will be determined by the extent of the area to be treated.
Is sclerotherapy permanent?
Sclerotherapy is a permanent procedure for the spider veins that are being treated. After the suggested number of sessions needed to eliminate the spider veins, patients will see a permanent change in the treated spider veins.
Although spider vein treatment is permanent, it does not prevent new spider veins from appearing in the future. Many patients with spider veins are predisposed to vein disease, so they often develop new spider veins in the future. Veins that successfully respond to the treatment will not return, but new spider veins may appear near the area of the treatment. They may appear soon after treatment, or appear years after the procedure.
Patients typically return to their doctor to touch-up any new spider veins that appear on their legs. It is normal for patients to visit their doctor multiple times to achieve the optimal cosmetic change they’re looking for.
How does sclerotherapy work?
Patients can seek sclerotherapy as a common procedure for spider vein elimination. This treatment process uses an injection of a solution that collapses the walls of the veins. The collapsing of vein walls causes the vein to redirect blood flow to veins that are in better health. The treated vein will then disappear as it is reabsorbed into the body.
Is sclerotherapy effective?
Sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins is an effective treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, the success rate for sclerotherapy treatment is up to 80 percent successful in eliminating treated veins within the first treatment.
This data does not guarantee that your first sclerotherapy treatment will completely eliminate a spider vein. Depending on the severity of a patient’s spider veins, it may take multiple sessions to eliminate the treated spider veins. In addition, there is a possibility that patients may notice a spider vein in other leg and ankle areas after their treatment is complete.
Are there side effects to sclerotherapy?
Patients may experience other complications as a result of sclerotherapy. These side effects may include:
- Inflammation: Typically mild cases of swelling and discomfort around the treated area. Oftentimes, your doctor suggests an over-the-counter pain medication to soften the pain.
- Minor skin irritation: Minor skin irritation may occur around the treated area.
- Allergic reactions: The sclerotherapy solution may cause an allergic reaction after treatment.
- Skin staining: Patients undergoing sclerotherapy treatment must keep the treated area out of the sun for 6 weeks or a time defined by the doctor.
If you experience any of these side effects after sclerotherapy treatment, consult your doctor immediately. Treatment for the side effects as a result of sclerotherapy may be necessary.