Sclerotherapy is a popular method of eliminating varicose veins and spider veins in which a solution, called a sclerosing agent, is injected into the veins. The sclerosing agent irritates the inside of the vein, causing the blood to clot and the vein to scar. The body is then able to find alternate pathways for your blood to return to your heart. The scarred vein is absorbed the body, eliminating the painful or unsightly superficial veins.

Sclerotherapy is very effective for the majority of patients who have superficial varicose veins or spider veins without significant reflux (as determined by ultrasound). Unfortunately, however, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results. (“Poor results” means that the veins have not totally disappeared after 6 treatments.) In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after sclerotherapy treatment.

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient, and depends on the extent of varicose and spider veins present. One to six treatments may be needed, with an average of three to four treatments.