Sclerotherapy and laser to clear spider veins and visible leg vessels.
Leg vein treatments use sclerotherapy or laser to reduce the appearance of spider veins and other visible leg vessels. Your dermatologist will determine the best modality based on the size, depth, and color of the vessels for clearer, more even-looking skin.
Visible veins are identified and mapped. Your dermatologist determines whether sclerotherapy, laser, or both is the right approach for each vessel.
Sclerotherapy: Asclera or saline solution is injected into each vein to irritate the wall and cause collapse. Laser: the Sciton 1064 Nd:YAG passes over the vein, sealing it from outside the skin.
Compression stockings are worn for 1 to 3 days post-sclerotherapy. Treated veins fade over weeks. 2 to 3 sessions are typically required for clearing.
Two methods are available depending on the size and location of the veins. Sclerotherapy works best for spider veins amenable to injection. The Sciton ClearScan 1064 Nd:YAG laser is preferred for surface vessels and resistant cases. Both are typically priced at the same per-session rate, with 2 to 3 treatments at 6–8 week intervals usually advised for clearing.
Asclera (sotradechol), glycerine, or saline injections
1064 Nd:YAG infrared laser
Sclerotherapy is generally first-line for visible spider veins. Laser is added when veins are too small for injection or in areas not amenable to sclerotherapy. Both can be combined within a treatment course.
Sclerotherapy is a technique in which a sclerosing agent (Asclera, glycerine, or saline) is injected into a visible vein. The agent irritates the vessel wall, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. It’s the gold standard for spider veins amenable to injection.
Both are highly effective. Sclerotherapy is generally first-line for visible spider veins that can be injected. Laser is added for veins too small for injection, surface vessels, or areas not amenable to sclerotherapy. Many patients receive both during a treatment course.
Treated veins are permanently destroyed. However, new veins can develop over time, particularly with pregnancy, weight changes, or genetic predisposition. Periodic maintenance is sometimes needed.
Most patients are walking immediately after treatment. Compression stockings are worn 1 to 3 days post-sclerotherapy. Bruising and skin discoloration along treated vessels can persist for 1 to 2 weeks.
Light walking is encouraged immediately after treatment. We typically recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
Most patients require 2 to 3 sessions spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart for full clearing. Larger or more numerous veins may require additional treatments.
Sclerotherapy injections feel like brief mild pinpricks. Laser treatment feels like a quick snapping sensation. Neither requires anesthesia.
Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists in Tribeca.
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