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Less Invasive Surgery > Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a popular method used for eliminating "spider veins," the tiny red and blue vessels that occur most commonly on the legs but also elsewhere and can take on a sunburst pattern. A solution called a sclerosing agent is injected through a tiny needle into a vein and causes irritation, scarring, and closure. Multiple treatment sessions are usually required, usually two or three but sometimes up to six or more.

Larger veins that have come to the surface and are unsightly may require more invasive treatments such as vein ligation and stripping performed under general anesthesia in a hospital.

While the majority of patients undergoing sclerotherapy will note at least some improvement, the procedure is not always effective, especially when the spider veins are widely fanned out.

While sclerotherapy remains the treatment of choice in most body areas, on the face spider veins can also be approached with laser, electrocautery, or intense pulsed light.