Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
For the thing you've been covering up every summer.
Spider veins are rarely the kind of thing people talk about. They just quietly adjust — choosing longer hemlines, avoiding certain angles in photographs, spending another summer in coverage they didn't want to wear. It's a small accommodation that accumulates into something that takes up more mental space than it probably should.
Sclerotherapy is the treatment that ends that particular mental calculation. A minimally invasive injection procedure with decades of clinical evidence behind it — it targets the affected veins directly, collapses them, and allows the body to gradually absorb and eliminate them. The skin that's left behind is clearer, more even, and entirely yours again.
This is not a complicated treatment. It is simply one that a significant number of people put off far longer than necessary — and almost universally wish they'd done sooner.
What it Treats:
Sclerotherapy uses a sclerosing solution injected directly into spider veins and small varicose veins, causing the vessel walls to collapse and the body to naturally reabsorb them over the following weeks. It is the gold standard treatment for superficial vein removal in the legs.
Most effective for:
Spider veins on the legs · Small varicose veins · Reticular veins · Vein networks that have developed gradually over time · Clients who have been managing with coverage and are ready to stop
What to Expect:
The appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and extent of the area being treated. The sclerosing solution is injected into the targeted veins using a very fine needle — most clients experience minimal discomfort, described as a mild stinging or cramping sensation that passes quickly.
Compression stockings are worn immediately after treatment and for a period of time following — Emily will give you specific instructions on duration based on your treatment. You can return to normal activities immediately, though strenuous exercise and prolonged sun exposure to the treated area should be avoided for the first one to two weeks.
The treated veins will not disappear overnight. In the weeks following treatment, the vessels gradually fade as the body absorbs them. Some temporary darkening of the treated veins is normal in the early weeks and resolves as part of the process. Final results are typically visible at three to six months.
Results:
When: Progressive improvement from weeks two to three, with full results visible at three to six months
How long:Treated veins are permanently eliminated. New veins can develop over time — maintenance treatments as needed
What affects it: Number of veins treated, size and type of vessels, number of sessions, compression compliance, and genetic predisposition to new vein development
Most clients require one to three sessions for optimal results, spaced four to six weeks apart. The extent of treatment needed depends on the size and number of veins being addressed — Emily will give you a realistic assessment at consultation.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Sclerotherapy is appropriate for adults with spider veins or small varicose veins who want a safe, minimally invasive, and clinically proven solution. It suits most adults and is effective across a wide range of vein presentations.
It is not suitable during pregnancy. Clients with significant large varicose veins, deep vein conditions, or certain circulation disorders require assessment before treatment — Emily will review your history thoroughly at consultation to confirm suitability.
A consultation is recommended before your first sclerotherapy appointment. Vein treatment benefits from a proper assessment of the area being treated, a realistic picture of how many sessions may be needed, and an honest conversation about what results are achievable for your specific presentation.
The Questions People Actually Ask:
01. Does it hurt? The injections involve a mild stinging or cramping sensation — most clients find it entirely manageable. The needle used is very fine and the appointments are well-tolerated. Emily works efficiently and methodically, which makes the process faster and more comfortable than most people anticipate.
02. How many sessions will I need? It depends on the extent and type of veins being treated. Smaller, less extensive presentations may resolve in one to two sessions. More widespread or complex networks typically require two to three. Emily will give you an honest estimate at consultation based on what she sees — not a number designed to encourage more bookings than necessary.
03. The veins look darker after treatment. Is something wrong? No — temporary darkening of treated vessels is a normal part of the process and resolves as the body absorbs them. It is one of the most common post-treatment observations and consistently resolves over the weeks following treatment. Emily will prepare you for this at your appointment so it doesn't come as a surprise.
04. Will the veins come back? Treated veins are permanently eliminated. However, the underlying tendency to develop spider veins doesn't disappear with treatment — new veins can form over time, particularly with prolonged standing, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics. Maintenance treatments when needed keep the results long-term. Most clients find the interval between treatments grows longer after their initial series.
05. Can I exercise after? Light walking is encouraged immediately after treatment — it supports circulation and the healing process. Strenuous exercise, hot yoga, saunas, and prolonged sun exposure to the treated legs should be avoided for one to two weeks. Emily will give you specific guidance based on your treatment.
