Is it normal to go for sclerotherapy for "years?" How many sessions of this treatment are safe and how long should it take?

Question

A person on this forum said she has been receiving schlerotherapy "for years" with some reduction in the spider veins, and she intends to continue treating. She even recommended it. Aren't these sessions expensive and is it worth the cost?

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is often done in 3-5 sessions at a cost of $450/session if you can get through all the veins at each session. This is done as a series typically every 5 yrs in patients that have a tendency to bad veins that appear more frequent as we age. Wearing support hose does help cut the treatments down a lot.

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Spider vein treatment is an issue that does require multiple treatments over a prolonged course of time, but not typically for years. We tell patients it is typical to require 3-5 sessions, each a month apart, to obtain reasonable results. This is highly variable however, depending on the number and extent of veins an individual has. Further, based on one's genetics, people will likely develop new spider veins in the future as they age, so that they may certainly require additional treatments down the road.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is a process and requires several treatments to achieve an end point (usually 3 to 5). Once the veins are under control then I recommend yearly follow up sclerotherapy sessions to keep the veins in check. Some may require 2 sessions per year.  If someone has many spider veins and they keep recurring, then it would be prudent to see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation with a venous reflux ultrasound to look for an underlying reason for the recurrent veins.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Not all spider veins are the same.  Small areas of spider veins can be treated quite efficiently with 1 - 2 sessions if performed properly.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

It is quite common to have multiple treatments on the same areas of the body affected by spider veins. It may take 2-3 treatments one month apart to fully treat an area. Be aware that they may return, which will require additional treatment. variable depending on the patient.This may happen months or years later. It is

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There are general surgeons and dermatologists that have a 'knack' for doing repeated sclerotherapy - I have seen patients come to my office with records that show 50 or more sessions of sclerotherapy over many years. Although you can do continued sclerotherapy, it is very likely that you have an underlying problem like venous insufficiency that is untreated or not diagnosed which is causing you to develop more spider veins, reticular veins and varicose veins. It is important that you see a specialist from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine ( a phlebologist, vein specialist) who can do a venous Doppler ultrasound (Duplex scan) to diagnose sources of venous insufficiency (at saphenofemoral junction, saphenopopliteal junction, along perforator veins) and treat that BEFORE you undergo more sclerotherapy sessions. Read the book provided on the link below.

Is it normal to go for sclerotherapy for "years?" How many sessions of this treatment are safe and how long should it take?

Answers (6)

More Sclerotherapy Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Sclerotherapy Questions

Would a second sclerotherapy session banish my remaining spider veins? I can see them 6 weeks after the first session. (Photo)

How to get rid of dark spots from Sclerotherapy? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS