Sclerotherapy is an in-office treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. A sclerosing solution is injected directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and gradually fade. Sessions typically take 30–45 minutes; most patients return to normal activities the same day. Per the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), sclerotherapy has been the standard of care for cosmetic and small-vein treatment for more than 80 years. Spider veins are extremely common — the Society for Vascular Surgery estimates that roughly 50–55% of women and 40–45% of men in the United States experience some form of vein problem, and prevalence rises with age (2023 estimates). At Viva Centers in Doral, our bilingual physicians evaluate every patient with a focused vein exam before recommending treatment, rule out deeper venous disease that may require a vascular specialist, and walk you through realistic expectations, cost, and the number of sessions before any injection. We see patients across Miami-Dade County — Doral, Sweetwater, Hialeah, Miami, and surrounding communities — for sclerotherapy, vein consultations, and follow-up care.
What Sclerotherapy Treats
Sclerotherapy is most effective for small, superficial veins in the legs. During your consultation our physicians will examine the area, ask about symptoms, and determine whether sclerotherapy is the right approach or whether you need imaging and a vascular referral first:
- Spider veins (telangiectasias) — small red, blue, or purple webs on the legs, typically under 1mm in diameter
- Reticular veins — slightly larger blue feeder veins (1–3mm) near the surface
- Small varicose veins — bulging veins up to about 4mm in diameter
- Some hand veins and select facial spider veins (case-by-case, lower-concentration solution)
- Post-surgical residual veins after prior vein procedures
- Hemorrhoid-related veins are NOT treated here — those need a colorectal specialist
How Sclerotherapy Works at Our Doral Clinic
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive in-office procedure. Here is the step-by-step session sequence we follow:
- A very fine needle (typically 30G) injects a sclerosing solution directly into the vein under good lighting and magnification
- The solution irritates the inner vein wall, causing the vein to collapse and seal closed
- Blood naturally reroutes through deeper, healthier veins — circulation is not impaired
- Over 3 to 6 weeks the treated vein fades and is gradually absorbed by the body
- Multiple veins can be treated in a single 30–45 minute session
- Most patients need 2 to 4 sessions for optimal cosmetic results, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Compression stockings are placed before you leave the office for the rest of that day
Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Vein Treatment
Patients often ask which is better — sclerotherapy or laser. The honest answer is: it depends on the vein. Per ASDS guidance, sclerotherapy remains the first-line treatment for most leg spider veins because it reaches feeder veins beneath the surface. Lasers are often preferred for tiny facial veins, fair-skinned patients, or veins too small to cannulate:
- Sclerotherapy — most leg spider veins and small varicose veins, including feeder veins under the skin
- Surface laser — small facial veins, very tiny leg veins, or patients afraid of needles
- Both may be combined sequentially for the best cosmetic outcome
- Sclerotherapy generally costs less per session and treats more area per visit
- Neither is permanent — new veins can form over time and touch-ups may be needed every 1–3 years
Session Sequence and What to Expect After
Your first visit at Viva includes a comprehensive evaluation, patient education, and (when appropriate) the first treatment the same day:
- Initial consultation — medical history, vein exam, photography of the treatment area for before/after comparison
- Candidacy confirmation — we rule out deeper vein reflux that may require duplex ultrasound and a vascular specialist before cosmetic treatment
- Cost discussion — sclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins is typically self-pay; we provide a written estimate before treatment
- Same-day treatment when appropriate — 30 to 45 minutes depending on the number of veins
- Compression stockings (15–20 mmHg or as prescribed) for 1 to 2 weeks after each session
- Walk for 10–20 minutes immediately after the visit to lower the small risk of blood clots
- Avoid sun exposure on treated areas for 2–4 weeks to prevent post-procedure pigmentation
- Avoid high-intensity exercise, hot baths, and saunas for 24–48 hours
- Follow-up at 4–6 weeks to assess fading and plan any additional sessions
Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?
Most healthy adults with cosmetic or symptomatic spider veins are candidates. Our physicians evaluate each patient individually using guidance consistent with ASDS and American Vein & Lymphatic Society practice standards:
- Best for cosmetic concerns, mild vein-related aching, leg heaviness, and small symptomatic varicosities
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — wait at least 3 months postpartum or until weaning
- Not appropriate for patients with a personal history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or active blood-clotting disorders
- Patients with large or rope-like varicose veins likely need duplex ultrasound and may benefit from endovenous treatment first
- Results are best when combined with compression stockings, regular walking, weight management, and avoiding long periods of standing without breaks
- Bilingual English/Spanish consultations are available — most of our Doral patients prefer Spanish-first visits
Authoritative Resources and Clinical Guidance
Sources
- ASDS — Patient guide to sclerotherapy — American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- NIH/NLM MedlinePlus — Sclerotherapy — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- American Vein & Lymphatic Society — AVLS (formerly American College of Phlebology)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get sclerotherapy near Doral, FL?
Viva Centers offers sclerotherapy at our Doral clinic, conveniently located at 10560 NW 27th St, Unit 101, Doral, FL 33172. We serve patients across Miami-Dade County including Doral, Miami, Hialeah, Sweetwater, and surrounding communities. Both English and Spanish-speaking physicians are available. Call +1 305 209 0001 to schedule a consultation.
How much does sclerotherapy cost in Miami?
Sclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Sclerotherapy for symptomatic varicose veins with documented venous reflux may be partially covered when medical necessity is established. Cost varies based on the number of veins, the volume of solution used, and the number of sessions required. Most patients need 2 to 4 sessions for optimal cosmetic results. We provide a written, personalized estimate during the initial consultation — call +1 305 209 0001 for current pricing.
Does insurance cover sclerotherapy?
Coverage depends on whether the treatment is cosmetic or medical. Cosmetic spider-vein treatment is almost never covered. Medical sclerotherapy for symptomatic varicose veins — leg pain, swelling, skin changes, healed ulcers — may be covered when a duplex ultrasound documents venous reflux and conservative therapy (compression stockings, exercise, weight management) has been tried first. Our team verifies your specific plan and provides a written estimate before any treatment so there are no surprise bills.
How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?
Most patients need 2 to 4 sessions for optimal cosmetic results, with treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the size, number, and depth of your veins, your skin type, and how your body responds to the solution. Larger feeder veins are usually treated first, followed by the smaller surface veins they fed. Some patients return for annual or biennial touch-up sessions as new spider veins develop with age.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Most patients describe sclerotherapy as briefly uncomfortable — similar to a mosquito bite or mild sting at each injection site. The sensation lasts only a few seconds per vein and no anesthesia is needed because the needle is very fine (30G). Some patients feel mild burning or cramping for 1–2 minutes after a leg vein is injected, especially with foam sclerosant. Any discomfort afterward is typically minor and resolves within a day or two.
When will I see results from sclerotherapy?
Initial improvement is often visible within 2 to 3 weeks as the treated veins begin to fade. Full results develop over 3 to 6 months as your body gradually absorbs the collapsed veins. Some larger or deeper veins may need a second treatment to disappear completely. Long-term results are best when combined with compression stockings, regular walking, weight management, and avoiding prolonged standing. Sclerotherapy is not permanent — new veins can develop over time, especially after pregnancy or with significant weight changes.
What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is very safe when performed by experienced physicians. Common temporary side effects include mild bruising, itching, small raised areas at injection sites, and brief skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) that usually fades within weeks to months. Less common effects include trapped blood (which can be drained at a follow-up visit) and matting (a fine blush of new tiny veins). Serious complications are rare but can include allergic reactions to the sclerosant, skin ulceration, or — very rarely — deep vein thrombosis. Our team reviews your full medical history and any clotting risk before the first injection.
What sclerosing solutions do you use, and are they safe?
Modern sclerotherapy uses FDA-approved detergent sclerosants such as polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulfate, often as a foam for larger veins. These agents have been used in vein care worldwide for decades with well-characterized safety profiles per the ASDS and American Vein & Lymphatic Society. We do not use hypertonic saline as a first-line agent because newer detergent agents are more comfortable and have lower rates of pigmentation. The specific agent and concentration is selected based on vein size, location, and your medical history — and we discuss it with you at your consultation.
Can I get sclerotherapy if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. We do not perform sclerotherapy during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The major sclerosing agents have not been adequately studied in pregnancy and the spider veins that develop during pregnancy often improve on their own in the months after delivery. We recommend waiting at least 3 months postpartum and, if you are breastfeeding, until weaning — then scheduling a consultation. Compression stockings during pregnancy are safe and helpful for symptom relief in the meantime.
Do you offer bilingual sclerotherapy consultations in Spanish?
Yes. Most of our Doral patients prefer Spanish-first visits and our bilingual physicians, including Dr. Oscar D. Ortega, MD, and staff conduct the entire consultation, consent process, and aftercare counseling in either English or Spanish. Written aftercare instructions and cost estimates are provided in the language you prefer. Call +1 305 209 0001 and ask for a Spanish-language appointment.