Patients report a mild, brief stinging or burning sensation during the injections. The needles used are very fine, and the discomfort is minimal and temporary. Most patients find the treatment to be easily tolerable.

The number of sessions depends on the number, size, and type of veins being treated. While some smaller veins may disappear after just one session, most patients need two to four treatments to achieve their desired results. Sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart to allow for proper healing.

Sclerotherapy is a very low-downtime procedure. You can resume most normal activities immediately. You'll be encouraged to walk for about 30 minutes after your session to promote blood flow. Your provider will also recommend wearing compression stockings for a few days to a week to help the treated veins collapse and reduce bruising and swelling.

The veins that are successfully treated with sclerotherapy are permanently eliminated. However, the procedure does not prevent new spider veins from forming in the future. For this reason, many patients choose to have maintenance treatments to address new veins as they appear.