What Is Sclerotherapy and Who Might Need It
When small veins show up on the skin or legs start to feel sore more often, it can be easy to brush it off. But those signs could point to something deeper going on with how your veins are working. Sclerotherapy services are one option that help treat these kinds of vein issues in a simple, non-surgical way. The treatment has been around for a long time and is still commonly used to help people feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Sclerotherapy happens in a clinic, without the need for hospitals or long recovery time. If you've noticed visible veins that don’t seem to fade or your legs feel heavy or tired by the end of the day, this treatment could be worth learning about. Let’s look at what causes these vein problems, how sclerotherapy works, and who might be a good fit for it.
What Happens to Veins That Need Treatment
Veins carry blood back to the heart, and the ones in our legs have to do this job while working against gravity. To make it easier, they have small valves that open and close to keep blood flowing in the right direction. But if those valves get weak or stop closing fully, blood can collect or move backward. This extra pressure stretches the vein and makes it more visible under the skin.
Two common types of vein issues are:
• Spider veins that are thin, red or blue lines that spread out in patterns, usually across the thighs, calves, or face
• Varicose veins that are thicker, bulging veins that often twist or swell under the skin and may cause discomfort
When these veins aren't working properly, symptoms can show up as:
• A dull ache or heaviness in the legs after standing or sitting
• Swelling, especially near the ankles
• Skin that changes color or texture over time
These problems might not seem serious at first, but they often get worse over time if left untreated.
How Sclerotherapy Works
Sclerotherapy is a simple way to treat small problem veins without surgery. In basic terms, it works by injecting a special solution into the affected vein. The solution irritates the inside of the vein just enough to cause it to close off. Once that happens, blood naturally finds new paths through nearby healthy veins.
After the treated vein is closed, it breaks down slowly and fades from sight. The body gradually absorbs it over a few weeks, and it’s no longer part of the active blood flow.
Sclerotherapy services are performed in-office, while the patient is awake and relaxed. The appointment doesn’t usually take long, and most people go home shortly afterward. Most can return to normal routines the same day, although some are asked to walk more or wear compression socks for a few days to help healing move along.
At Vein and Vascular, our clinic uses high-definition vascular ultrasound to evaluate which veins are causing symptoms and to increase the accuracy and outcomes of every sclerotherapy treatment. This ensures each session is personalized for your optimal results.
Who Might Be a Good Candidate
Not every vein problem needs sclerotherapy, and not every person is the right fit for it. But there are a few common signs that make someone a good match:
• Small or medium spider veins that are easy to see but don’t cause major pain
• Varicose veins that are uncomfortable but not too large
• Tired or heavy legs at the end of the day
• Veins that itch, burn, or cause mild skin irritation
Sclerotherapy is usually a good choice for people who are in overall good health and want their legs to feel or look better. It's not ideal for very large or deep veins, and someone with certain health conditions or who’s pregnant might need to wait before moving forward.
The treatment is usually done after a doctor checks the veins to see how they’re working. That way, we know that the right treatment is being used for the right problem.
What to Expect Before and After
Most appointments start with a physical look at the legs and a few questions about discomfort or changes you’ve noticed. Sometimes a quick ultrasound is used to check how blood is moving through the deeper veins. This helps rule out bigger issues and makes sure we’re focusing on the right areas.
During sclerotherapy, a fine needle is used to inject a solution into each small vein that needs being treated. You may feel a small pinch or warm feeling, but the process is quick. The total visit time is often around an hour or less.
After treatment, recovery tends to be simple:
• Some people wear support socks for a few days
• You may be asked to walk for a few minutes right away and then stay active through the day
• There may be some mild redness or itching where the vein was treated, but this usually fades
• Over time, veins soften and start to fade, often taking a few weeks to improve fully
Maintenance can vary. Some people only need one round of treatment, while others may benefit from follow-ups depending on how many veins were treated or how the body responds.
Making Leg Comfort a Priority This Season
Addressing visible veins or discomfort is about more than appearance, it’s about taking the next step in caring for your overall wellness. Sclerotherapy at Vein and Vascular can fit into your day with minimal interruption, thanks to our streamlined office procedures and the expertise of our board-certified team. With insurance options including Medicare and Medicaid, we make vein care accessible for more people throughout Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Acting early, especially in the fall, helps you recover in comfort and start feeling better before the holidays arrive. If swelling, pain, or visible veins have become routine for you, know that support and answers are close at hand.
Ready to improve your leg health before the busy season arrives? At Vein and Vascular in Las Cruces, New Mexico, we make it simple to get started with treatments right in our office. Learn more about how our sclerotherapy services can help with various types of veins, and let us answer your questions while creating a personalized plan for your needs. Call us today and take your next step with confidence.
