Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins & Small Varicose Veins in Draper, UT
Unsightly spider veins and small varicose veins can affect your confidence and sometimes cause discomfort. At Draper Dermatology, we offer sclerotherapy treatments at our South Jordan, Utah, location to help reduce the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins without surgery.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an FDA-approved vein treatment that involves injecting a specialized solution into unwanted veins. This injection causes the vein to collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body. The most common uses for sclerotherapy are spider veins, reticular veins, and small varicose veins.
At Draper Dermatology, we use Asclera® (polidocanol), an FDA-approved sclerosing agent specifically designed to treat uncomplicated spider veins and small varicose veins. The solution is injected directly into the targeted veins, causing them to collapse and be gradually absorbed by the body.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
There are many benefits of sclerotherapy. It drastically improves the appearance of visible veins and can reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with visible and enlarged veins, such as aching, burning, and heaviness. The treatment itself is minimally invasive as it requires no surgery. Recovery is a breeze, with minimal downtime, and the therapy itself is typically a quick office procedure.
Why Treat Spider Veins?
Many people choose to treat spider veins because they can become a cosmetic concern and, in some cases, cause mild discomfort. As spider veins become more noticeable over time, patients may feel self-conscious wearing shorts, skirts, swimsuits, or other clothing that exposes their legs. Some individuals also experience symptoms such as aching, heaviness, or discomfort in the affected areas.
For those looking to improve the appearance of visible veins without surgery, sclerotherapy offers a safe, minimally invasive treatment option. By reducing the appearance of unwanted veins, sclerotherapy can help restore confidence and leave your legs looking smoother and clearer.
What Vein Conditions Can Sclerotherapy Treat?
Spider Veins
Spider veins are small red, blue, or purple veins that often appear on legs and ankles. They are considered cosmetic concerns and are not medically significant.
Small Varicose Veins
Small varicose veins are larger twisted veins near the surface of the skin. These veins may cause discomfort and can often be easily treated with sclerotherapy.
Reticular Veins
Reticular veins are different from spider veins and small varicose veins, as they are blue or green feeder veins that lie beneath the skin. These veins often contribute to spider veins.
What Causes Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?
Spider veins and varicose veins develop when the valves inside your veins weaken or become damaged. Healthy veins contain one-way valves that help prevent blood from flowing back toward the heart. When these valves stop functioning properly, blood can pool inside the veins, causing them to enlarge and become visible beneath the skin.
Spider veins often appear as small red, blue, or purple web-like patterns on the legs or face, while varicose veins are typically larger, twisted, and raised above the skin's surface.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing spider veins and varicose veins:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
- Prolonged standing
- Obesity
- Sun exposure (facial veins)
- Previous vein injury
What Happens During a Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Before Treatment Begins
Before treatment begins, Barbara Overby, PA-C, will evaluate your veins and discuss your goals to determine whether sclerotherapy is the right option for you. Once your treatment plan is established, the treatment area will be cleansed and prepared.
What to Expect During The Procedure
Using a very small needle, Asclera® is carefully injected into the targeted spider veins or small varicose veins. The solution causes the treated veins to collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body. Most patients experience only mild discomfort, which may feel like a brief stinging or burning sensation during the injections.
Where The Procedure Happens
Sclerotherapy is performed in our South Jordan office and typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size and number of veins being treated.
Recovery and Downtime After Sclerotherapy
One of the many benefits of sclerotherapy is that it requires little to no downtime. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately following treatment, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
After your appointment, you will be encouraged to walk and continue light activity to promote healthy circulation. Many patients return to work the same day and can resume most routine activities without interruption.
As your body begins to absorb the treated veins, it is normal to experience some temporary side effects. These may include mild bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, or temporary discoloration at the injection sites. These effects are typically mild and resolve on their own as healing progresses.
Barbara Overby, PA-C, will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and recommendations to help support optimal results. If multiple treatment sessions are needed, your treatment plan and timeline will be discussed during your consultation.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Return to most normal activities immediately
- Walk and perform light activities the same day
- Mild bruising or redness may occur
- Temporary swelling, tenderness, or discoloration is possible
- Visible improvement may begin immediately and continue over the following days
When Will I See Results?
Many patients notice an immediate reduction in the appearance of treated veins during their appointment. Improvement typically continues over the following days as the treated veins begin to fade.
The number of treatments needed depends on the size and extent of the affected area. Patients with larger areas of spider veins or multiple clusters of veins often require a series of treatments to achieve their desired results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy may be an excellent option for individuals who are bothered by the appearance of spider veins or small varicose veins and are looking for a non-surgical treatment solution. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health and have realistic expectations about their results. While many patients experience significant improvement in the appearance of treated veins, larger areas may require multiple treatment sessions to achieve their desired outcome.
Because hormonal changes can affect vein health and treatment outcomes, sclerotherapy is typically not recommended during pregnancy. During your consultation, Barbara Overby, PA-C, will evaluate your concerns, review your medical history, and determine whether sclerotherapy is the right treatment for your needs.
You may be a good candidate for sclerotherapy if you:
- Have spider veins or small varicose veins
- Are in good overall health
- Are not currently pregnant
- Want a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
- Have realistic expectations regarding results and treatment sessions
Why Choose Draper Dermatology for Sclerotherapy?
Experienced Sclerotherapy Provider
Sclerotherapy treatments at Draper Dermatology are performed by Barbara Overby, PA-C. Barbara provides personalized vein evaluations and customized treatment plans designed to help patients achieve smoother, clearer-looking skin with minimal downtime. As part of a trusted Utah dermatology practice that has served patients for more than 30 years, you can feel confident knowing your care is backed by experienced dermatology providers dedicated to both skin health and cosmetic excellence.
At Draper Dermatology, we take a comprehensive approach to patient care, offering personalized treatments tailored to your unique concerns and goals. So if you are seeking treatment for spider veins or other cosmetic and dermatologic concerns, our team is committed to delivering exceptional care in a comfortable, professional setting. Conveniently located in South Jordan, Utah, we make it easy to access the expert cosmetic and dermatology services you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sclerotherapy
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients report only mild discomfort.
How many treatments will I need?
Depends on the number and size of veins being treated.
Is sclerotherapy permanent?
Treated veins generally do not return, but new veins can develop over time.
Does insurance cover sclerotherapy?
Coverage varies. Cosmetic treatment is often not covered, while medically necessary vein treatment may qualify.
In most cases, sclerotherapy is considered a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by insurance. Patients should expect this service to be cash pay. In rare circumstances involving symptomatic varicose veins, insurance coverage may be available, but eligibility varies by plan and medical necessity requirements.
Can I exercise after sclerotherapy?
Walking is encouraged, but strenuous exercise may be limited for a short period.
Schedule a Sclerotherapy Consultation
If you're ready to gain confidence by reducing the appearance of spider veins, the team at Draper Dermatology is here to help. Barbara Overby, PA-C, provides personalized sclerotherapy treatments at our South Jordan office, helping patients address unwanted veins with a safe, minimally invasive approach.
During your consultation, we'll evaluate your concerns, discuss your goals, and create a customized treatment plan designed to deliver the best possible results.
Ready to get started? Contact Draper Dermatology today to schedule your sclerotherapy consultation.
Call (801) 232-6556 or click below to schedule your appointment.