What is the benefit of adding ultrasound technology to sclerotherapy?

I've heard a lot about sclerotherapy and how effective it is in treating cosmetic vein problems. What is the benefit of adding ultrasound technology to sclerotherapy? Is it worth the additional cost?

Answers from doctors (7)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Feb 17, 2022

The only reason to use ultrasound guidance is to identify a vein that cannot otherwise be visualized without ultrasound guidance. If the vein(s) can be visualized, there is no need for ultrasound guidance, especially if there is an additional fee.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

The only reason to use ultrasound guidance is to identify a vein that cannot otherwise be visualized without ultrasound guidance. If the vein(s) can be visualized, there is no need for ultrasound guidance, especially if there is an additional fee.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 19, 2020

Adding Ultrasound guidance to sclerotherapy does allow the physician to see what veins are feeding the small spider veins and concentrate treatment where it is most therapeutic, limiting side effects as well.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Adding Ultrasound guidance to sclerotherapy does allow the physician to see what veins are feeding the small spider veins and concentrate treatment where it is most therapeutic, limiting side effects as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lezara Laser and Vein Care

Published on Aug 09, 2017

Yes. One has to image the underlying truncal veins to ensure they are not insufficient...if underlying veins are treated then the cosmetic results will be better in the long term.

Also..ultrasound guidance is helpful in treating smaller reticular veins feeding the spider veins. This way there is less chance of matting or recurrence when treating cosmetic surface veins.

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Answered by Lezara Laser and Vein Care

Yes. One has to image the underlying truncal veins to ensure they are not insufficient...if underlying veins are treated then the cosmetic results will be better in the long term.

Also..ultrasound guidance is helpful in treating smaller reticular veins feeding the spider veins. This way there is less chance of matting or recurrence when treating cosmetic surface veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Aug 09, 2017

It is only helpful for larger not readily visible veins. Otherwise you don't need it

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

It is only helpful for larger not readily visible veins. Otherwise you don't need it

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 15, 2010

Spider vein sclerotherapy as well as reticulars do not require ultrasound assistance. There are light sources such as the Vein Lite and the Syrus System that aid in treating these veins without the need for ultrasound. Larger, deeper veins that cannot be seen on the surface would benefit from ulrasound. Also, if varicose or larger reticulars or perforators are the problem then ultrasound guidance would be helpful.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Spider vein sclerotherapy as well as reticulars do not require ultrasound assistance. There are light sources such as the Vein Lite and the Syrus System that aid in treating these veins without the need for ultrasound. Larger, deeper veins that cannot be seen on the surface would benefit from ulrasound. Also, if varicose or larger reticulars or perforators are the problem then ultrasound guidance would be helpful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 16, 2009

For spider veins that wouldn't be necessary (nor feasible). Ultrasound guidance is used for bigger abnormal veins beneath the skin that are not visible. Ultrasound is also useful before treatment to uncover an underlying cause such as saphenous vein reflux. This is especially important if you have any symptoms of venous insufficiency: pain, swelling, aching, heaviness +/- varicose veins. One leading cause for treatment failure of spider veins is that there is an underlying leaking vein (which would be seen with ultrasound).

For larger veins it is often necessary to use ultrasound guidance to confirm the placement of the sclerosant and to help prevent complication.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

For spider veins that wouldn't be necessary (nor feasible). Ultrasound guidance is used for bigger abnormal veins beneath the skin that are not visible. Ultrasound is also useful before treatment to uncover an underlying cause such as saphenous vein reflux. This is especially important if you have any symptoms of venous insufficiency: pain, swelling, aching, heaviness +/- varicose veins. One leading cause for treatment failure of spider veins is that there is an underlying leaking vein (which would be seen with ultrasound).

For larger veins it is often necessary to use ultrasound guidance to confirm the placement of the sclerosant and to help prevent complication.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Sep 24, 2009

For spider veins that wouldn't be necessary (nor feasible). Ultrasound guidance is used for bigger abnormal veins beneath the skin that are not visible. Ultrasound is however useful before treatment if you have any symptoms of venous insufficiency: pain, swelling, aching, heaviness +/- varicose veins. One leading cause for treatment failure of spider veins is that there is an underlying leaking vein (which would be seen with ultrasound).

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Answered by Miller Vein

For spider veins that wouldn't be necessary (nor feasible). Ultrasound guidance is used for bigger abnormal veins beneath the skin that are not visible. Ultrasound is however useful before treatment if you have any symptoms of venous insufficiency: pain, swelling, aching, heaviness +/- varicose veins. One leading cause for treatment failure of spider veins is that there is an underlying leaking vein (which would be seen with ultrasound).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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