Sclerotherapy in Adelaide for spider veins
Spider veins on the legs are common, and for most people they are a cosmetic concern, but they can cause pain and discomfort in others. If yours bother you, sclerotherapy is a long-established treatment used to remove them. Most people see a significant improvement in troublesome veins with one to three treatment sessions.
At Laser Skin & Vein Clinic, sclerotherapy is delivered by our doctors or nurse practitioners at our North Adelaide and Malvern clinics. Every treatment starts with a consultation, so you understand what’s involved, what results are realistic for your veins, and whether the treatment is suitable for you.
What sclerotherapy treats
- Spider veins (stage 1)
- Reticular varicose veins (stage 2)
- Venous nodes (stage 3)
How sclerotherapy works
Sclerotherapy uses micro-injections of a sclerosant solution placed directly into the vein. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing the vein to collapse and close. Your body then gradually reabsorbs the treated vein over the following weeks, and blood reroutes through healthier veins nearby.
It is one of the oldest treatments in cosmetic medicine, in use for close to a century, and remains the standard approach for smaller problem leg veins.
Spider vein treatment at our Adelaide clinics
Sclerotherapy is the most common spider vein treatment, but it is still a medical procedure and results can vary between patients. Our doctors or nurse practitioners will assess your veins, explain what the treatment can achieve, and talk you through the risks before anything goes ahead. They will then delicately and expertly administer the treatment in our well-established Adelaide clinics.
Pricing
Consults with our doctors or nurse practitioners are required prior to any treatment commencing.
$105 short consult (partial Medicare rebate may apply)
$180 long consult (partial Medicare rebate may apply)
$550 per treatment*
*A treatment is a full dose of sclerosant agent, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes to deliver. One or both legs may be treated at once depending on the severity of veins being treated. More than one treatment may be required as directed by the doctor or nurse practitioner.
More information on spider vein treatment
What causes spider veins on legs?
Spider veins form when small blood vessels near the surface of the skin become dilated and visible. There is often a hereditary component, and hormonal changes can play a part, which is one reason they are more common in women.
Other contributing factors can include age, pregnancy, prolonged standing and previous leg injury. Your practitioner will talk you through what is likely to be driving yours at your consultation.
Are spider veins dangerous?
In most cases no. Spider veins are usually a cosmetic concern and do not cause health problems. Some people find they ache, itch or feel heavy, particularly after long periods of standing.
Larger varicose veins can occasionally point to an underlying circulation issue that needs assessment. If your veins are painful, changing, bleeding or accompanied by swelling or skin changes, see your GP or book a consultation so they can be properly examined.
What does spider vein removal cost?
Sclerotherapy is priced per treatment, currently $550, with a consultation required beforehand. The cost of sclerotherapy can vary depending on the area that needs attention and the severity of the spider veins.
How many treatments you need can depend on the number, size and spread of the veins being treated. Your doctor will give you an estimate of the likely course at your consultation, so you know the full cost before you commit.
What happens during sclerotherapy treatment?
A very fine needle is used to inject the sclerosant solution directly into the vein, penetrating less than one millimetre below the skin surface. The solution irritates the vein lining, the vein collapses, and the body reabsorbs it over the following weeks.
Most patients describe the sensation as mild and brief, comparable to eyebrow plucking or leg waxing. Some people find certain areas more sensitive than others. A full treatment takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
What can I expect after treatment?
There is usually some minimal swelling and small red dots at the injection sites in the first days. Treated veins typically begin to break up and fade within about two weeks, and continue fading for around eight weeks, depending on how prominent they were. You can return to normal activities straight away, with little to no downtime.
Sclerotherapy reduces the appearance of existing veins. It does not prevent new ones from forming, so many patients choose to return for maintenance treatment every few years.
Reference Material
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment used to reduce the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins. A sclerosant solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse, so the body can reabsorb it.
Is sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment with a long track record, and at our clinics it is performed by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Like any medical procedure it carries risks, which your doctor or nurse practitioner will explain in full at your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Most patients only report mild, brief discomfort, similar to eyebrow plucking or leg waxing. The needle used is very fine. Individual experience varies, and some areas of the leg are more sensitive than others.
Are there any side effects?
Sclerotherapy is generally well tolerated, although temporary side effects can occur. Common temporary effects include bruising, swelling, redness or small raised areas at the injection sites, and tenderness or aching. Treating larger veins can leave firm or lumpy areas along the treated vein where blood becomes trapped, which is a recognised part of healing and can be treated in the clinic if needed.
Some people develop temporary brown discolouration (pigmentation) along the treated vein. This usually fades gradually over the following months, although occasionally it can take longer to resolve. People can also experience matting, which is a fine network of red vessels around the area that often resolves, but may persist or need further treatment.
Less common complications include vein inflammation (phlebitis), skin ulceration or changes, and allergic reactions. More serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are very rare, but recognised risks. Your practitioner will assess your risk factors beforehand and provide aftercare instructions.
Who is not suitable for sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is not appropriate for everyone. Pregnancy, a history of blood clots, certain medications and some underlying vein conditions can all affect suitability. Your doctor will review your medical history at your consultation and let you know whether the treatment is right for you.
Can you treat large varicose veins?
Sclerotherapy is less effective where larger varicose veins are feeding the spider veins, so those veins need to be treated first by a vascular surgeon. A duplex ultrasound scan is sometimes required to assess the veins accurately, which can be organised at your consultation and referral to a vascular surgeon can be arranged if sclerotherapy is not considered appropriate and further intervention is required.
