Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
A highly effective, minimally invasive injection treatment for spider & small varicose veins.
Are these your skin concerns?
Spider veins
Small varicose veins
Chronic venous insufficiency
Benefits of Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy:
- Improves the appearance of spider veins & varicose veins
- Reduces leg pain, swelling, heaviness & discomfort
- Improves skin smoothness & even tone
- Helps patients feel more comfortable wearing shorts, skirts, or swimsuits without worrying about visible veins
- For those who want to avoid vein stripping or laser therapy, sclerotherapy provides a less invasive yet effective solution
Treatment Snapshot
Treament Time
Comfort Level
Recovery Time
Up to 24 hours
Optimal Results
3-5 treatments
What to Expect
During Treatment
Your session begins with a comprehensive leg examination, during which our physician uses ultrasound imaging to map the anatomy & assess the function of your veins. Once the affected veins are identified, you will recline comfortably as small butterfly needles are precisely inserted into the targeted veins under ultrasound guidance. A sclerosing agent is then injected, causing the problematic veins to close. The entire procedure typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
Recovery Phase
Immediately following the treatment, a medical-grade compression stocking is applied to the treated leg to aid in vein closure & healing. It is essential to wear this stocking continuously for the first 48 hours & then during waking hours for an additional 12 days. Patients are encouraged to stand & walk as much as possible on the day of the treatment to enhance treatment efficacy. While normal activities can typically be resumed shortly after treatment, it is advisable to avoid long-distance travel for four weeks post-procedure.
For Optimal Results
To ensure the best outcomes, follow-up visits are crucial. While many patients experience significant improvement after a single session, additional treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of the condition. Our team will provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve optimal results.
At Lucere Dermatology & Laser Clinic, we are committed to offering state-of-the-art treatments like Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy to help you achieve healthier, more comfortable legs.
Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Experience the precision of Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy at Lucere Dermatology & Laser Clinic. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure effectively treats varicose veins that are difficult to see & inject by utilizing ultrasound technology to visualize & target deeper veins, reducing the need for surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sclerotherapy & how does it work?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive vein treatment designed to eliminate spider veins & varicose veins. The procedure involves injecting a sclerosing agent directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse, shrink & gradually fade as the body reabsorbs them.
This treatment is highly effective in:
- Reducing the appearance of spider veins & varicose veins
- Improving circulation & relieving discomfort caused by faulty veins
- Enhancing skin appearance by creating smoother, more even-toned legs
Sclerotherapy is considered one of the best treatments for spider veins & is often recommended for cosmetic vein removal & varicose vein relief.
What types of veins can be treated with sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is most commonly used to treat:
- Spider Veins (Telangiectasia): Small, thin, web-like veins that appear red, blue, or purple on the legs & face
- Small to Medium Varicose Veins: Twisted, bulging veins that are blue or green in color, commonly found on the legs
- Reticular Veins: Larger than spider veins but smaller than varicose veins, typically found on the back of the knees or thighs
For larger varicose veins, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) may be recommended for deeper, underlying venous insufficiency.
Is sclerotherapy painful? What does it feel like?
Sclerotherapy is a relatively painless procedure with minimal discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as:
- A mild pinching or stinging feeling as the solution is injected
- A slight burning or tingling that lasts for a few seconds
- No lingering pain; any discomfort subsides quickly after the procedure
Because sclerotherapy uses a very fine needle, it is considered one of the least painful vein treatments. For those with sensitive skin, a topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment.
What should be done prior to my Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment?
In order to optimize your results, we ask that you purchase compression stockings prior to your treatment & that you bring them with you to your appointment. We recommend compression stockings with 20-30 mm Hg compression. These can be prescribed, and at times, covered through private insurance.
- You should not have a tan at the time of your treatment. Avoid sun exposure in the legs for 1 month prior to your Sclerotherapy treatment.
- Do not use moisturizers on the day of your treatment.
- You may be most comfortable wearing shorts or a skirt for the treatment.
What can I expect after my Sclerotherapy treatment?
Proper compression following Sclerotherapy is critical for the success of the procedure. Please wear your compression stockings for 24 hours (day and night) after the procedure.
Compression stockings should be worn at all times until bedtime for 14 days. It is not necessary to sleep with your stockings on. Remove them prior to bathing.
Bruising & discolouration are common after Sclerotherapy. These issues will resolve after a couple of weeks. It is very important to avoid sun exposure to the treatment areas after Sclerotherapy. Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation in the treated areas. Wear protective clothing & sun block for at least 1 month after the treatment.
You can exercise 24 hours after your Sclerotherapy treatment. Avoid strenuous, high impact activities for one week after treatment.
Avoid excessively hot baths, showers, or hot tubs for one week after treatment.
Occasionally, when treating larger vessels, a small clot or “knot” may develop. If this happens, we would like you to call us. Sometimes we do a simple extraction of this clot to let it dissolve on its own.
Pain after Sclerotherapy is usually minimal and goes away after 1-2 days. If you experience discomfort, you may take Tylenol or extra-strength Tylenol. If you experience significant pain, redness, swelling, crusting or bleeding, call our office immediately.
How many sclerotherapy treatments will I need?
The number of sclerotherapy sessions required depends on:
- The severity and number of veins being treated
- Your body’s healing response & how well veins absorb the solution
- Your desired cosmetic outcome
- On average, 2 to 4 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart provide optimal results
- Some patients see significant improvement after just one session, while others with more extensive varicose veins may require additional sessions
For patients with venous insufficiency, follow-up ultrasound exams may be needed to track progress.
Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy?
- Individuals with spider veins, small varicose veins, or reticular veins
- Those who experience leg pain, swelling, or heaviness due to venous insufficiency
- Patients looking for a non-surgical alternative to vein removal
Sclerotherapy may not be suitable for:
- Pregnant women (treatment can be done postpartum)
- Individuals with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Patients with severe, large varicose veins (other treatments like EVLT or VenaSeal may be better suited)
A consultation with a vein specialist can determine if sclerotherapy is the right treatment for your specific condition.
How soon will I see results after my Sclerotherapy treatment?
The final benefits of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy may not be apparent for several months. Most patients experience a 50% improvement with their first treatment, but 3-5 sessions may be needed for optimal results. The number of sessions you need can be determined during your complimentary consultation.
Do Sclerotherapy treatments hurt?
Sclerotherapy treatments are not meant to be a painful experience. During your treatment, a small needle will be inserted into the vein. As the sclerosing solution is injected, a mild to moderate burning sensation may be felt. This normally lasts a few seconds.
Who will perform my Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy?
Dr. Sam Azer is a physician specializing in the prevention and treatment of veins throughout the body with over a decade experience. The first to introduce the Neo-V laser to Alberta and teaches physicians on EVLA. Specializes in vein mapping and imaging utilizing the most advanced techniques and technology.
At Lucere, we believe that no two clients are the same & that this isn’t a cookie-cutter process. Understanding each client’s unique skin and their desires is important to us.
What are the side effects of Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy can have several side effects, including:
- Bruising at the site of injection
- Pigmentation or rust stains may appear when blood leaks into the skin from treated veins
- A sore at the injection site
- Inflamed or lumpy blood vessels
- Some blood vessel may be resistant to treatment
- Allergic reactions
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