Sclerotherapy
Treat spider and smaller varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy uses targeted injections to close selected surface veins. The body redirects blood through healthier veins, and the treated vessels gradually fade.
The right plan starts with the right diagnosis. If your visible veins come with aching, swelling, heaviness, or skin changes, we may recommend duplex ultrasound before treatment.
Small veins. Precise treatment.
Map the visible network, treat its feeder veins, then allow time for the vessels to fade.
Fine-needle treatment
Targeted injections with no surgical incision.
Office-based care
Treatment length depends on the number of veins.
Gradual clearing
Veins fade over weeks to months—not instantly.
Real Before-and-After Results
See how visible leg veins changed after an individualized treatment plan. The amount and timing of improvement vary from person to person.
BeforeAfterSurface vein result 01
Visible spider and feeder veins appear less prominent after treatment and healing.
BeforeAfterSurface vein result 02
A network of fine visible veins appears lighter after an individualized treatment plan.
BeforeAfterSurface vein result 03
Prominent surface veins appear less visible after treatment and follow-up.
Plan from the source outward1 2 3 4
Why the vein map matters
Surface-only pattern
Fine spider veins without significant symptoms may be planned from the examination.
Feeder vein present
Reticular veins may need to be treated before or with the visible spider-vein network.
Symptoms suggest reflux
Aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, or larger veins may lead to duplex ultrasound.
Larger source vein found
Ablation, VenaSeal, phlebectomy, or a combined plan may come before surface injections.
Find the Source Before Treating the Surface
Sclerotherapy can be very effective for the right vessel. It is less useful when a larger refluxing vein keeps pressurizing the surface network.
- We look at the pattern, size, color, depth, and location of the visible veins.
- We ask whether you have aching, burning, heaviness, swelling, night cramps, or skin changes.
- When indicated, duplex ultrasound checks valve function and maps deeper superficial veins.
- Your plan may use sclerotherapy alone or pair it with treatment of a larger source vein.
Cosmetic concern or medical symptom—both deserve a clear answer. The evaluation separates appearance-only veins from vein disease that may need a broader treatment plan.
How Sclerotherapy Makes a Vein Fade
The injection starts the process. Your body completes it over time.
A fine needle reaches the target vein
A specialist places a small amount of liquid or foam sclerosant directly into the selected vessel.
The vein walls seal together
The solution irritates the vein lining. Compression and natural healing help the treated vessel stay closed.
Blood uses healthier veins
The closed vessel is gradually broken down by the body and becomes less visible over several weeks or months.
Which Veins Can Sclerotherapy Treat?
Vein size, depth, symptoms, and the vessels feeding the visible network all shape the plan. Sclerotherapy is strongest for small surface veins—not every bulging vein.
Spider veins
Small red, blue, or purple lines that branch close to the skin. Treatment is often appearance-focused, though some people also report local aching or burning.
Reticular veins
Small blue-green veins just beneath the skin can feed a cluster of spider veins. Treating the feeder may improve the network more effectively than chasing individual lines.
Smaller varicose veins
Some smaller, winding varicose branches can be treated with liquid or foam sclerotherapy. Larger veins or significant source reflux may call for ablation or another approach.
What Happens During a Sclerotherapy Session
Treatment is planned around the number, size, and location of the veins being addressed that day.
Review the treatment map
We confirm the veins being treated, your goals, interval health changes, medications, and aftercare plan.
Position and clean the skin
You lie comfortably while the target areas are marked, cleaned, and positioned for precise access.
Make targeted injections
A fine needle delivers sclerosant to selected veins. Brief stinging or cramping can occur.
Compress and walk
Pressure pads or compression may be applied. Walking is commonly encouraged before you leave.
Results Unfold Over Time
Sclerotherapy is a process, not an instant erase. Treated veins can look darker, feel firm, or seem more noticeable before they fade.
The closing process begins
Small injection marks, redness, swelling, bruising, or raised areas may be visible.
Color and texture can change
Treated veins may darken, feel firm, or hold small areas of trapped blood as they heal.
Spider veins may begin to fade
Fine vessels often improve over weeks. Larger treated veins generally take longer.
Review the final response
Smaller varicose veins can take months to fade. Remaining or new veins can be reassessed.
Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?
The best candidates have veins that match what sclerotherapy is designed to treat and no health factor that makes injection treatment unsafe.
- Spider veins, reticular veins, or selected smaller varicose veins concern you.
- Your goals and expectations allow for gradual improvement and possible staged sessions.
- Larger refluxing source veins have been ruled out or addressed when necessary.
- Your medication, clotting, allergy, pregnancy, mobility, and medical history have been reviewed.
Sclerotherapy is not appropriate for everyone. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, acute blood clots, serious illness, reduced mobility, allergies to a proposed sclerosant, and other health factors can change or delay the plan. Your specialist will review your history.
Aftercare That Supports Healing
Your instructions will reflect the sclerosant, veins treated, compression plan, and your health. Follow the plan you receive—not a generic online timeline.
What to do
Movement and compression may help the treated veins close and lower clot risk.
- Walk as directed after treatment
- Wear prescribed compression
- Keep follow-up appointments
- Protect treated skin from sun
What you may notice
Temporary local changes are common while the veins heal.
- Bruising or redness
- Firm or lumpy areas
- Dark lines or spots
- Mild tenderness or itching
When to call
Your care team will explain which symptoms need prompt attention.
- Severe or worsening pain
- Marked swelling or skin injury
- New chest pain or trouble breathing
- Neurologic or vision symptoms
Check Your Coverage Before Treatment
Cost depends on the number of areas, the veins being treated, whether imaging is needed, and how many sessions are planned. We will explain what is known before you decide.
Cosmetic spider-vein treatment
Plans commonly exclude treatment performed mainly to improve appearance. Ask for a clear estimate and what it includes.
Symptomatic varicose-vein treatment
Coverage may depend on symptoms, exam or ultrasound findings, prior conservative care, network rules, and authorization. Verification is not a guarantee of payment.
Specialist Care From Vein Mapping Through Follow-Up
Your EVSLA specialist can look beyond the visible lines, connect symptoms to the vein pattern, and build a treatment plan from the source outward.
Harout Dermendjian, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Dermendjian is a highly experienced specialist known for his steady presence in the procedure room. Patients value his direct and reassuring approach.
Meet Dr. Dermendjian
Kartik Kansagra, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Kansagra prioritizes clear, direct communication and brings a collaborative approach to complex endovascular care.
Meet Dr. Kansagra
Sipan Mathevosian, MD
Endovascular Specialist
Dr. Mathevosian's training in Vascular Interventional Radiology spans arterial disease, venous conditions, and interventional oncology.
Meet Dr. MathevosianThree Los Angeles-Area Locations
Choose the office that works best for your evaluation, treatment, and follow-up.
Glendale
445 W Broadway
Glendale, CA 91204
Simi Valley
2750 Sycamore Drive, Suite 200
Simi Valley, CA 93065
La Cañada Flintridge
1407 Foothill Boulevard
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Your Sclerotherapy Questions, Answered
Sclerotherapy uses a fine needle to inject a solution into a selected surface vein. The solution irritates the vein lining so the vessel closes and gradually fades while blood continues through healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy is commonly used for spider veins, reticular feeder veins, and some smaller varicose veins. Larger bulging veins or veins connected to significant reflux may need a different or combined treatment plan.
Not every cosmetic spider-vein treatment requires ultrasound. If you have aching, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, larger varicose veins, or a pattern that suggests deeper reflux, duplex ultrasound may be recommended before treatment.
The number of sessions depends on how many veins are present, their size, how they respond, and your goals. Some areas improve after one session, while others need staged treatment.
Treated veins usually fade gradually rather than disappearing immediately. Spider veins may improve over several weeks, while larger treated veins can take several months. Results vary.
Walking is usually encouraged soon after treatment, and many people resume routine activities quickly. Compression, exercise, sun exposure, travel, and skin-care instructions are individualized.
A successfully treated vein generally stays closed, but sclerotherapy does not prevent new spider or varicose veins from developing. Follow-up treatment may be considered if new veins appear.
Insurance often treats spider-vein care as cosmetic. Coverage for symptomatic varicose veins depends on the plan, symptoms, examination or ultrasound findings, prior conservative care, and authorization rules. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Start With a Clear Map of Your Veins
An EVSLA specialist can examine the veins you see, ask about the symptoms you feel, and explain whether sclerotherapy alone—or a broader vein plan—makes sense.