The average cost of sclerotherapy treatment is $657, though the price can range up to $1,790 if you need more than one sclerotherapy session, according to 175 patient reviews.
This treatment option works best for spider veins (also known as telangiectasias) or small varicose veins, which often stem from medical conditions like chronic venous insufficiency.
During this minimally invasive treatment:
Read on to learn why sclerotherapy costs vary—and whether patients say it’s worth the money.
Sclerotherapy has a 86% Worth It Rating from patients who reviewed it on RealSelf. So if your spider or varicose veins are enough of a cosmetic concern (or source of discomfort) that you’re willing to spend the money, odds are good that your results will be worth the investment.
Just be sure to find a skilled provider, who will ensure you’re a good candidate and know how to give you the best results. They should also talk you through the potential side effects of this medical procedure, the most common ones being minor bruising at the injection site, or mild cramping for the first minute or two.
Sclerotherapy results are considered permanent, but new veins can appear—even in the same area. You may be able to prevent (or delay) the need for more varicose or spider vein treatment by:
These are the top 5 reasons you may pay more (or less) than the average cost of sclerotherapy.
Physicians aren't the only medical professionals who can perform sclerotherapy: nurses, physician's assistants, and estheticians can also administer this vein treatment.
A physician with years or decades of experience will be able to charge more for their time, but depending on your situation, it might be worth to pay more for this higher level of expertise.
Consider consulting with a board-certified vascular surgeon, phlebologist, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist. All of these specialties should be able to assess your concerns and recommend the best vein treatment option. (For example, they may recommend endovenous laser therapy instead, to treat your spider viens, or a phlebectomy to remove any larger veins just below the surface of the skin.) They should also have the skill to administer your treatment with minimal side effects.
If you're looking to cut costs, a nurse or other highly trained member of the physician's staff may also be able to provide an effective treatment.
RealSelf Tip: Any vein treatment consultation should start with a duplex ultrasound imaging exam, to fully assess your vein health and help determine the best course of treatment.
If you're treated in a major city, you can safely assume that the average cost of sclerotherapy will be steeper due to higher costs of living.
You may find that vein clinics in the suburbs (or less desirable areas of a city) offer more affordable pricing. That said, if you're an outlying area with few skilled providers and lots of demand for their services, they may be able to charge a premium.
Getting treatment plan recommendations and price quotes from a few qualified providers around your area can be eye-opening—and might end up saving you money.
This can be a one-and-done procedure, but some people need two or more treatment sessions for optimal results. This scenario is more likely if you're having a large number of veins treated, or if you have large varicose veins.
During your initial consultation, you and the provider will discuss a treatment plan, including the number of sessions they think you will need (based on a physical exam).
This is a perfect time to ask for a detailed estimate of your total vein treatment cost. It’s common for vein clinics to discount the second session, especially if you pay for both in advance.
As mentioned above, some providers offer package rates for multiple sessions or treatment areas.
It’s pretty common for clinics to offer sclerotherapy deals in early spring, when people are anticipating showing off their legs as the weather warms. Keep an eye on social media or sign up for providers' marketing emails for those opportunities.
There's also a chance you'll find sclerotherapy treatments and other vein treatments offered at a deep discount on coupon websites. Not all providers who attract patients with these types of deals are reputable or qualified, so be sure to do your research and read their patient reviews before booking.
Even though you can resume normal activities immediately after your treatment (no downtime necessary), vein specialists still recommend investing in certain recovery supplies.
Compression stockings are typically a must after post-treatment—they'll help prevent blood from re-entering the treated veins, speeding up the healing process. They can also help prevent complications like blood clots.
Sclerotherapy can cause temporary bruising and discoloration, so some providers recommend arnica gel or tablets. Neither of these purchases are typically included in the cost of sclerotherapy.
RealSelf Tip: While the sensation of the sclerosant can be uncomfortable or even a bit painful, you won't need any anesthesia, unlike some other vein treatments. This helps keep additional treatment costs down and saves you some money.
Sclerotherapy doesn’t usually qualify for insurance coverage because it’s considered a cosmetic treatment.
But there are exceptions.
Your provider may determine that sclerotherapy is the best course of treatment for painful or itchy leg veins, or a vein disease that’s putting you at risk of medical conditions like blood clots. If they can document these issues, your insurance coverage may approve your claim.
Every health insurance plan is different, so check with your insurance company and work with your provider and their staff to provide the necessary documentation.
Even if your coverage is approved, you'll still have some out-of-pocket costs. Understanding your deductible and copays can help you anticipate how much you'll be on the hook to pay.