If you’ve been thinking about treating your spider veins but haven’t taken the next step, you’re not alone. Many people live with spider veins for years before realizing how straightforward and effective treatment can be.
Sclerotherapy has been the gold standard for treating leg spider veins for decades. It is a safe, well-established procedure with an excellent track record and remains the treatment of choice for most patients with spider veins on the legs.
Here are five reasons why.
1. It Treats Spider Veins at Their Source
One of the biggest advantages of sclerotherapy is that it treats more than just the visible spider vein.
Spider veins are often fed by slightly larger veins beneath the surface of the skin that cannot be seen with the naked eye. During sclerotherapy, a sclerosing solution is injected directly into the affected veins using a very fine needle. The solution causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut, allowing the body to gradually absorb the treated vessels over the following weeks.
By treating both the visible spider veins and their underlying feeder veins, sclerotherapy addresses the source of the problem, not simply the veins visible on the surface.
This is one of the key reasons sclerotherapy remains the gold standard for treating spider veins on the legs.
While laser treatments can be useful for certain small superficial veins, particularly on the face, they primarily target the vessels visible at the skin’s surface. The underlying feeder veins often remain untreated, which means additional or repeat treatments may be needed if new surface veins develop over time.
By treating the source of the spider veins rather than just their appearance, sclerotherapy generally provides more complete and longer-lasting results for leg spider veins.
2. The Results Are Long-Lasting
Once a vein has been successfully closed with sclerotherapy, it is gradually reabsorbed by the body and is unlikely to return.
However, spider veins are often influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, aging, or occupations that require prolonged standing or sitting. While new spider veins may develop over time, they are new veins,not the ones that were previously treated.
Many patients choose occasional maintenance treatments to keep their legs looking their best.
3. It Can Improve Both Appearance and Comfort
Although spider veins are often considered a cosmetic concern, they can also cause symptoms such as aching, burning, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs, particularly after prolonged standing.
By eliminating these abnormal superficial veins, many patients notice not only a significant cosmetic improvement but also that their legs feel lighter and more comfortable throughout the day.
4. There Is Minimal Downtime
Treatment sessions at Healthy Skin Centre typically take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and most patients return to work and their usual daily activities immediately afterward. Walking is encouraged following treatment to promote healthy circulation, while heavy lifting and hot tubs are temporarily avoided. Compression stockings are worn after treatment to support the healing process and optimize results.
Mild bruising, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites is common and resolves gradually. Because sclerotherapy is performed in the office, there are no surgical incisions, no general anesthesia, and no lengthy recovery period.
5. Every Treatment Plan Is Personalized
No two patients have the same pattern of spider veins, which is why every treatment plan at Healthy Skin Centre is tailored to the individual.
Your initial assessment and treatment are performed by one of our experienced sclerotherapy Registered Nurses (RNs), who carefully evaluate the size, distribution, and location of your spider veins.
Many patients also have larger underlying feeder or reticular veins that contribute to the visible spider veins. When these deeper vessels require treatment, Dr. Lili Nasseri works alongside our nursing team to assess and treat them with targeted sclerotherapy. For many patients, the best results are achieved through this collaborative approach, addressing both the larger feeder veins and the smaller superficial spider veins.
Most patients achieve their desired improvement over a series of three to six treatment sessions, although the exact number depends on the extent of the veins being treated. Results continue to improve for several weeks after each session as the body naturally clears the treated vessels.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an excellent option for most adults with spider veins on the legs who are in good general health.
- Are bothered by the appearance of spider veins.
- Experience mild aching, heaviness, or discomfort associated with spider veins.
- Are not currently pregnant.
- Are prepared to commit to a series of treatments for optimal results.
- Want an individualized, evidence-based approach to vein care.
During your consultation, our team will assess your veins, determine whether sclerotherapy is the right treatment for you, and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual goals.
Book a Spider Vein Consultation at Healthy Skin Centre
Spider veins are extremely common, but they don’t have to be permanent.
At Healthy Skin Centre, our experienced sclerotherapy Registered Nurses and Dr. Lili Nasseri work together to provide comprehensive, evidence-based vein care. By treating both the visible spider veins and, when appropriate, the underlying feeder veins that contribute to them, we create personalized treatment plans designed to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Book a consultation at our New Westminster clinic to get started.