Does Sclerotherapy have to be repeated?

Will sclerotherapy permanently get rid of spider veins, or will I have to keep getting treatments forever?

Answers from doctors (8)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Aug 30, 2021

Any spider veins, Venous Telangiectasias, treated by sclerotherapy should disappear - usually after one session. However, new spider veins may appear, irrespective of any previous treatment. Spider veins that are amenable to sclerotherapy are usually blue or purple. Threadlike pink or red vessels, Capillary Telangiectasias, are not veins (even though many people refer to all small vessels as 'spider veins') and rarely respond to sclerotherapy. Treating Capillary Telangiectasias by sclerotherapy may actually make them worse or stimulate additional Capillary Telangiectasias.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Any spider veins, Venous Telangiectasias, treated by sclerotherapy should disappear - usually after one session. However, new spider veins may appear, irrespective of any previous treatment. Spider veins that are amenable to sclerotherapy are usually blue or purple. Threadlike pink or red vessels, Capillary Telangiectasias, are not veins (even though many people refer to all small vessels as 'spider veins') and rarely respond to sclerotherapy. Treating Capillary Telangiectasias by sclerotherapy may actually make them worse or stimulate additional Capillary Telangiectasias.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 19, 2010

To be successful sclerotherapy usually requires multiple treatments. It is different for each person and on average 2 to 4 treatments may be necessary with 4 to 6 weeks between treatments. Underlying reflux should always be evaluated. Spider veins are also related to many factors including genetic, aging, sun exposure and even trauma.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

To be successful sclerotherapy usually requires multiple treatments. It is different for each person and on average 2 to 4 treatments may be necessary with 4 to 6 weeks between treatments. Underlying reflux should always be evaluated. Spider veins are also related to many factors including genetic, aging, sun exposure and even trauma.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 24, 2010

Usually multiple treatments are required initially. New veins frequently grow into the treated area so periodic touch ups are usually required to keep ones legs free of spider veins.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Usually multiple treatments are required initially. New veins frequently grow into the treated area so periodic touch ups are usually required to keep ones legs free of spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Feb 11, 2010

Usually multiple treatments are required initially. New veins frequently grow into the treated area so periodic touch ups are usually required to keep ones legs free of spider veins.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Usually multiple treatments are required initially. New veins frequently grow into the treated area so periodic touch ups are usually required to keep ones legs free of spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 10, 2010

Most of the patients will continue to have more spiders coming back and the treatment will be done again, not on the same viens, but on the new ones.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Most of the patients will continue to have more spiders coming back and the treatment will be done again, not on the same viens, but on the new ones.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 10, 2010

Usually an area of veins needs a couple of treatments to resolve. These veins can recur over years but that depends on the patient, and the underlying vein problems.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Usually an area of veins needs a couple of treatments to resolve. These veins can recur over years but that depends on the patient, and the underlying vein problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 10, 2010

Sometimes depending on the situation.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Sometimes depending on the situation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 10, 2010

Most patients need about 2-4 treatments on average. The veins that are treated should not come back, however you could get new spider veins in the future.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Most patients need about 2-4 treatments on average. The veins that are treated should not come back, however you could get new spider veins in the future.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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