LSU Vein Care strives to provide the highest quality, comprehensive medical care with compassion and professionalism.
LSU Vein Care Patient History Form– Prior to your first appointment, please fill out the patient history from and bring it with you to your appointment.
These FAQs will assist you in learning more about what to expect from sclerotherapy. In addition, your clinician can address your concerns and expectations from the procedure.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are tiny superficial blood vessels which usually appear as clusters of red, purple, or blue veins close to the skin’s surface. These veins are small, thread-like and “spidery” in appearance, sometimes having a small starburst or tree-like pattern. Most commonly, they occur in the thighs, calves, or ankles.
How are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy is the “gold standard” in treating unwanted spider veins. This procedure continues to be the most successful treatment option available for spider veins.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure performed in clinic that requires no anesthesia. A sclerosant (irritating liquid) is injected into a vein by using a small needle, causing the blood in the vein to displace. The vein collapses, closes down, and disappears over time.
Does Sclerotherapy work for everyone?
The majority of people who have sclerotherapy will have positive results. However, in some cases conditions may worsen after treatment.
Will treated veins recur?
Treated spider veins may appear again in some patients. Approximately 10% of veins treated persist after multiple treatments. Additional treatments may be required, as some veins do not respond to sclerotherapy and new spider veins may develop near the previous injection site.
Will I see immediate results?
Most patients can expect to see 50-90% improvement after several treatments. However, fading of spider veins gradually occurs over several months, with complete disappearance achieved in most cases.
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments will vary, depending on the size and number of veins involved. Several veins can be injected at each session. One to six treatments may be needed, but the average number of treatments is three to four. Treatment plans are patient specific and are agreed upon by the patient and the vein specialist.
Is Sclerotherapy painful?
The procedure is usually associated with minimal discomfort. A burning or stinging sensation at the time of injection is commonly reported. This discomfort usually resolves within minutes. Most patients are able to return to their normal routine immediately after their treatment session.
Are there any side effects with Sclerotherapy?
Occasional side effects do exist even with highly trained clinicians providing your care. Possible side effects include the following:
A discussion with the clinician of your concerns and expectations from the procedure is important.
Are “medical” stockings needed after treatment?
Compression therapy is an important part of treatment for vein disease. In order to achieve and maintain lasting results, compression stockings must be worn. A prescription will be provided before your sclerotherapy session.
Will insurance pay for Sclerotherapy?
The cost for sclerotherapy is not covered by most insurance companies and is not billed to insurance by LSU Healthcare Network. Vein clinic fee schedules will be made available prior to treatment.