Sclerotherapy is widely used to reduce the appearance of certain visible veins, particularly small varicose veins and spider veins. This treatment is often chosen because of its fast and convenient appointments, minimal discomfort and short downtime.
At VENUS Vein Clinic, we provide sclerotherapy to patients throughout Omaha, NE. During your visit, we explain each step clearly so you know what to expect and can feel prepared moving forward. We cover the consultation, what happens during your first appointment, and what recovery and aftercare typically involve. Here are a few important details to get you started.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical vein treatment used to reduce the appearance of spider veins and certain small varicose veins. A special solution that is injected into the visible veins. This solution irritates the veins and eventually causes them to close. After some time, the treated veins fade as your body absorbs them.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy can be a good option if you are bothered by visible spider veins and want a non-surgical way to address them. Adults who are generally healthy and have concerns that are cosmetic in nature, rather than related to a larger circulation concern, could be good candidates. A consultation helps determine whether the veins you want treated will respond well to injections or whether another approach makes more sense.
Your Initial Consultation and Vein Evaluation
Come to your appointment prepared to discuss your health history and any vein concerns you want us to address. Make sure you tell us about any symptoms you may be experiencing. We will examine the veins you are interested in treating and may perform additional assessments to rule out any underlying vein conditions. We often take photos of the treatment area to document your progress and help with treatment planning. You will have time to ask questions, review what sclerotherapy involves and discuss what kind of results are realistic based on your vein type.
How to Prepare for Your First Sclerotherapy Appointment
Preparing for sclerotherapy is simple and usually does not require major changes to your routine. A few small steps beforehand can help your appointment go smoothly.
- Avoid applying lotion, oils or self-tanner to your legs on the day of treatment
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area
- Bring compression stockings if they were recommended during your consultation
- Plan to walk briefly after your appointment, as light movement is often encouraged
What Happens During the Sclerotherapy Procedure
Cleansing the Treatment Area
Before the treatment begins, your skin is carefully cleaned to remove any surface oils or residue. This step helps reduce irritation and gives us better visibility of the veins we’re targeting. You will be positioned comfortably, usually lying back with the treatment area supported so the veins are easier to access.
Injection of the Sclerosing Agent
Using a very fine needle, we inject a sclerosing solution directly into the targeted vein. You may feel a brief pinch or mild stinging sensation, though discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived. Let us know if you experience any significant discomfort during the process, and we can make adjustments.
Number of Injections Per Session
The number of injections varies based on the size, location and number of veins being treated during your visit. Some appointments involve just a few injections, while others may include several within the same area. We pace the appointments to treat the veins effectively while keeping sessions efficient and manageable.
FAQs About Sclerotherapy Appointments
What Do Injections Feel Like?
The injections used during sclerotherapy are done with very small needles, so sensations are usually brief and mild. You will feel the pinch of the needle as it enters. The solution used can sometimes cause a stinging sensation or mild cramping. Certain areas may feel slightly more sensitive than others, depending on vein size and location. Everyone responds a little differently.
How Long Will My Appointment Be?
Appointments are typically short and often fit easily into a lunch break or busy schedule. The exact length depends on how many veins are treated during that visit and how extensive the treatment area is. Most sessions take between 20 and 45 minutes from start to finish, and additional time may be spent reviewing aftercare instructions before you leave.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
Some veins respond after one session, while others may need additional visits for more noticeable improvement. We will space out your treatments, usually with 4-6 weeks in between, to allow your body to respond between sessions. This is a topic we’ll cover during your consultation, so you have a clear sense of what your treatment plan may involve.
Immediately After Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
Once your appointment is finished, compression may be applied to the treated area to support the veins and encourage proper circulation. You will be asked to walk for a short period before leaving, which helps keep blood moving through untreated veins. Mild redness or slight swelling around the injection sites may occur and usually settles quickly. Most people return to normal daily activities the same day without needing to rest or limit movement.
Aftercare Instructions, Recovery and Results
One of the most important parts of recovery is often you wear your compression stockings. These garments fit tightly around the treated area to help blood flow back up towards your heart and can reduce swelling and encourage healing. Another key part of care after sclerotherapy is making sure you stay active and elevating your legs when you can. Avoid hot baths and saunas, and do not shave or apply lotion to the area until it has healed.
Feel Confident About Your First Sclerotherapy Appointment in Omaha, NE
Sclerotherapy can reduce the appearance of unwanted veins through quick appointments with no downtime. At VENUS Vein Clinic, care is led by Dr. Kelly Schroeder, a board-certified vein physician with deep roots in Omaha, NE, who focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating vein conditions. If you are ready to learn whether sclerotherapy may be right for you, we invite you to contact us through our online form or call 402-979-8346 to schedule a consultation.