What is the cost of sclerotherapy (spider veins) in NY and how do I verify that the injector is experience and qualified?

Question

1) What is the cost of sclerotherapy in NY? 2) Is it best to pay by injections, time or syringe? 3) Is there also a trap blood fee? 4) How do I verify that the injector is experience and qualified? Many thanks

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.There is no such thing as the best sclerotherapy solution. But you need to know about the different types of sclerotherapy solutions.1. Detergent type - STS, polidochanol, sodium morrhuate and ethnolamine. These cause protein theft denaturation and cause fibrosis of the veins. Only sodium morrhuate and ethanolamine have FDA approval.2. Hyperosmolar hypertonic type - hypertonic saline and hypertonic saline dextrose (HSD) solution. They obiterate veins via a chemical irritation.3. Chemical irritants - iodinated iodine and glycerin.Some of these, like STS and Polidochanol, have been used with foam to obliterate larger veins.For adequate treatment, go to a phlebologist, a vein specialist and he/she will discuss all of your options with risk/benefit discussion and side effect profiles. Ask about individual risk of tissue necrosis, hyperpigmentation, pain profile with injection, allergic reactions, etc. These are very important questions to ask.Seek someone with certification from the American College of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM).Best,Dr. Karamanoukian

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into a vein to dissolve it.  There are several types of sclerotherapy solutions but I most commonly use foam and sometimes glycerine.  Some people use hypertonic saline.  I change a flat fee for the first treatment and per syringe for follow up treatments.  The cost of sclerotherapy will vary with the person injecting. I do not charge for evacuating trapped blood. I would recommend that you see a physician board certified in phlebology (American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine).

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

sclerotherapy is a very common treatment of spider veins, reticular veins and tributaries of major leg veins after treatment of large varicose veins.There are many agents used. The simplest is hypertonic normal saline. Its potential risks and complications include, brown pigmentation (hemosiderin stains), skin necrosis if the agent in extravasated into the subcutaneous tissue, and some discomfort and leg cramping at the time of injections. Other sclerosing agents have nearly the same rate of complications. Other sclerosing agents, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (Approved by FDA) is expensive and makes treatment by syringe or increase cost by session.Many doctors and non doctors do the sclerotherapy treatment. The expertise here is being familiar with the medications and complications being an expert in putting a small needle in a very small vein (Some are better than others in putting an intravenous needle).  To make any improvement one needs multiple sessions, more than three. Usually three to six sessions to see improvement. You will grow new spider veins and need continued treatment as you grow new ones. You need to expect about 80% improvement no more.Cost would vary on the how extensive the problems in both legs (Some times I spend an hour or more injecting, and that cost more). The average cost per session (15 min to half hour ) is $400.After care is simple, each physician has his/her own protocol. Support hose (TED Stocking, either knee or thigh high is good, purchase before treatment).

What is the cost of sclerotherapy (spider veins) in NY and how do I verify that the injector is experience and qualified?

Answers (3)

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