How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?
The average cost of sclerotherapy treatment is $800, though the price can range up to $1,500, according to 170 reviews from RealSelf members.
This vein treatment works best for spider veins or small varicose veins, which can be caused by genetics or a medical condition like venous insufficiency. During the minimally invasive treatment, your provider injects a vein with a sclerosing agent, causing the walls to collapse and limiting blood flow. Over time, the treated vein will be absorbed by the body and disappear.
Read on to learn what can cause sclerotherapy costs to fluctuate, and whether or not the treatment is really worth the cost.
Is sclerotherapy treatment worth the cost?
RealSelf members who had sclerotherapy treatment give it an 83% Worth It Rating. So if you're a good candidate in the hands of a skilled provider, and your spider veins or varicose veins bother you enough to spend the money, there's a good chance the treatment will be worth your investment.
Sclerotherapy results are considered permanent, but new veins can appear, even in the same area. Wearing compression stockings can prevent or delay the formation of new veins, which can help make this treatment more cost-effective over time.
What affects the cost of sclerotherapy?
The cost of sclerotherapy treatments can vary, due to these factors.
1) The expertise of your provider.
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 performing sclerotherapy will charge more for their time and 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. 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 consultation for vein treatment should start with a duplex ultrasound imaging exam, to fully assess your vein health and recommend the best course of treatment.
2) Where your sclerotherapy procedure is performed.
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 more affordable pricing in the suburbs (or less desirable parts of town). That said, if you're in a more outlying area with few skilled sclerotherapy practitioners and lots of demand for their services, you may also find higher prices.
Areas with many qualified vein treatment specialists offering this treatment should boast lower prices, as providers offer more competitive pricing to draw in more patients.
3) The number of treatments you need.
Sclerotherapy can be a one-and-done procedure, but some people need two treatment sessions for optimal results. This scenario is more likely if you're having a large number of veins treated, or if the veins are particularly large.
During your initial consultation, you and your provider will discuss a treatment plan, including the number of expected sessions. This is a good time to ask for a detailed estimate of your overall vein treatment cost and whether they offer any discount if you pay for more than one session in advance.
4) Special offers and discounts.
As mentioned above, some providers offer package rates for more than one treatment or multiple treatment areas. It's also possible that you'll find sclerotherapy deals advertised in the early spring, when people might be 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.
5) Recovery accessories your provider recommends.
Even though you can resume normal activities immediately after your treatment (no downtime necessary), providers 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.
Does insurance cover sclerotherapy cost?
Sclerotherapy doesn’t usually qualify for insurance coverage because it’s considered a cosmetic treatment, but there are exceptions.
If your provider determines 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 issues like blood clots, 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 any necessary documentation.
Just keep in mind that 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.