Key Takeaways
- Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injection treatment effective for spider veins under 1mm and varicose veins between 1 and 3mm in diameter.
- During treatment, the affected veins are injected with a sclerosing agent using a very small needle; NOVA uses Asclera, an FDA-approved agent selected after thorough review of the medical literature.
- NOVA uses a foaming technique to improve the effectiveness of the agent, causing the vein to collapse, clot, and eventually be replaced by smooth new tissue.
- Good candidates include healthy non-pregnant adults with visible spider or reticular veins on the legs who want a non-surgical solution with minimal downtime.
- Results develop gradually over several weeks as the treated veins are absorbed, and most patients see significant improvement after one to several sessions.
Sclerotherapy is a very effective, minimally invasive treatment for spider veins that are less than 1 mm in diameter and varicose veins between 1-3 mm in diameter (these are also known as reticular veins). Don’t worry about measuring your veins, though! We’ll be happy to help you during your consultation.
During a Sclerotherapy treatment, the affected veins are injected with a sclerosing agent using a very small needle. We use a technique called “foaming” to improve the effectiveness of the agent. The sclerosing agent irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and clot. Over time, this clotted vein is replaced with new tissue, resulting in a smooth appearance.
There are several sclerosing agents on the market. At NOVA Plastic Surgery, we use AscleraⓇ, an FDA-approved agent. Our founder and medical director, Dr. Fadi Nukta, performed a thorough review of the medical literature to identify the agent that produces the best results with the fewest side effects—and Asclera is that agent.
During your consultation, our highly trained clinicians and staff will meet with you to determine your specific needs so they can customize the concentration and volume of Asclera for you.
Where Did These Unsightly Veins Come from, Anyway?
Although spider veins are more common in women, they do occur in men, too. They can be passed down genetically or caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, sitting for long periods of time, or repeatedly sitting cross-legged.What Can I Expect During a Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy treatment takes about 30 minutes. Repeat treatments will be needed if the area to be treated is large. Though it is possible patients may experience pain and discomfort during and after treatment, the Asclera injection is reported to be less painful than other agents and does not require numbing. After the procedure, medical-grade compression garments are used for 10 days. As with any procedure, the Asclera injection does carry some risk for side effects or complications. Potential side effects include itching, transient hyperpigmentation, sloughing skin, swelling, irritation, and bruising in the target area. These are generally minimal, short-term effects, but there is a small chance that particular tissues could be damaged and contract infections. Generally speaking, you can expect to see beautiful, smooth, clean results in the treated area in about four weeks! The time varies, however, and some patients may see their results in as little as two weeks or as much as 12 weeks. To get a sense of the simplicity and speed of the procedure, you can watch a brief video of a sclerosing treatment here.How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a quick and easy treatment with very few side effects. It will help to remove uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins up to 1 mm in diameter) and uncomplicated small varicose veins (1-3 mm in diameter), also known as reticular veins. Any woman or man who would like to remove unsightly veins quickly and easily should come in for a consultation, and we’ll help you determine if Sclerotherapy is a good solution for you!Who Should Not Undergo Sclerotherapy?
You should not undergo sclerotherapy if you have any of the following conditions:- History of allergies to sclerosing agents
- Deep venous thrombosis or history of pulmonary embolism
- History of patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a hole in the heart
- Pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding
Why Choose NOVA Plastic Surgery for Treating My Varicose (Spider and Reticular) Veins?
NOVA Plastic Surgery is your Sclerotherapy expert, serving Loudoun, Ashburn, and Northern Virginia. Our highly experienced and professional team of plastic surgeons, clinicians, and staff is ready to help you remove your spider veins smoothly and quickly. To hear directly from our founder and medical director, Dr. Fadi Nukta, check out his video message about the treatment of spider veins. We are looking forward to supporting you in your process of taking care of yourself and removing unsightly veins! Book your consultation now or call 703-574-2588 to speak to a qualified staff member. We are ready to answer your questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sclerotherapy and how does it work?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for spider and reticular veins in which a sclerosing agent is injected directly into the affected vein using a very small needle. The agent irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and clot. Over time, the closed vein is replaced by new tissue, resulting in a smoother appearance.
What sclerosing agent does NOVA use and why?
NOVA uses Asclera, an FDA-approved sclerosing agent. Dr. Nukta personally reviewed the medical literature to identify the agent that delivers the best results with the fewest side effects, and Asclera emerged as the top choice. NOVA also uses a foaming technique that improves the effectiveness of the agent during treatment.
Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy?
Good candidates are healthy, non-pregnant adults with spider veins less than 1mm in diameter or varicose reticular veins between 1 and 3mm. Patients who want a non-surgical solution with minimal downtime and are bothered by the appearance of leg veins are ideal candidates. A consultation confirms whether your specific veins are appropriate for this treatment.
How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the number and severity of the veins being treated. Some patients see excellent results after a single session, while others require multiple treatments for complete clearance. Your provider will assess your veins during the consultation and give you a realistic expectation of how many sessions may be needed.
What is the recovery like after sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy requires minimal downtime. Most patients can return to normal daily activities immediately after their appointment. Some mild bruising, redness, or temporary darkening of the treated area is normal and resolves on its own. Walking is encouraged after treatment to promote circulation, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for a short period.