Legs You Don't Have to Hide
Spider veins and small blue veins on your legs are common, and you don't have to live with them. Sclerotherapy is a quick in-office treatment where Jennifer injects a medicine that closes off the vein so your body can fade it away.
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What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy treats spider veins and small reticular veins on the legs by injecting a medicine, polidocanol (Asclera), that closes the vein so the body gradually absorbs it. At the Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville, MD, Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP performs sclerotherapy in the office in about 15 to 30 minutes. Most people need two to three sessions and wear compression stockings for a few days after.
Which Veins Can We Treat?
Spider Veins
Thin red, purple or blue lines, often in a web pattern.
Yes, we treat theseReticular Veins
Small blue or green veins just under the skin, often feeding spider veins.
Yes, we treat theseVaricose Veins
These need a vein specialist first. We'll point you in the right direction.
See a vein specialistWhy Do Spider Veins Show Up?
Tiny valves in your veins can weaken, so blood pools and the veins stretch and show through the skin. It runs in families and gets worse with pregnancy, hormone changes, standing for long hours, weight gain and age.
Veins that show up during pregnancy often improve within 3 to 12 months after delivery, so it's worth waiting before treating them.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Injection
A very fine needle places the medicine into the vein.
The Vein Closes
The vein's walls seal shut, and blood reroutes to healthier veins.
It Fades
Your body gradually absorbs the treated vein over weeks to months.
Your Treatment Day
- About 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many veins
- Most people feel tiny pinches and a brief mild sting
- No numbing or anesthesia needed
- Walk out in your compression stockings and get back to your day
After Treatment
- Wear compression stockings as directed, usually 2 to 3 days for spider veins and longer for reticular veins
- Walk 15 to 20 minutes right after, and keep walking daily
- Skip hard workouts, hot baths, saunas and hot tubs for 2 to 3 days
- Keep treated areas out of the sun while they heal
- No long flights or long car trips for a few days
What Will Your Legs Look Like After?
Some people get temporary brown discoloration that fades over months.
How Many Sessions?
Most people need 2 to 3 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. Treated veins don't come back, but new ones can form over time, so some people come back every year or two for touch-ups.
Plan Ahead for Summer
Because it takes weeks to months for veins to fully fade, fall and winter are the best times to start if you want clear legs by shorts season. It also means you're wearing compression stockings in cooler weather.
Who Should Wait
Pregnancy or breastfeeding, a current or past blood clot (DVT), being bedridden or unable to walk, or a known allergy to the medicine. Jennifer reviews your history and checks your legs at the consult.
Who Is Jennifer Gularson?
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP has over 20 years of aesthetic experience and is a certified functional medicine practitioner. She'll look at your legs, tell you which veins sclerotherapy can help and build a plan around your schedule.
What Do People Ask About Sclerotherapy?
Does Sclerotherapy Hurt?
Most people feel small pinches and a brief sting. No anesthesia is needed.
How Many Sclerotherapy Treatments Will I Need?
Most people need 2 to 3 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart.
Will My Veins Come Back?
Treated veins are gone for good, but new veins can form over time.
Do I Have to Wear Compression Stockings?
Yes. They help the veins close and improve results. Jennifer will tell you how long.
Can You Treat Veins on My Face?
Sclerotherapy here is for leg veins. Ask Jennifer about other options for facial veins.
Is Sclerotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Treatment for cosmetic spider veins usually isn't covered. We'll go over costs at your consult.
Can I Exercise After Sclerotherapy?
Walking, yes, and it's encouraged. Skip hard workouts for 2 to 3 days.
Request an Appointment
Tell us about the veins you'd like treated, and our team will reach out to schedule your consult with Jennifer.
Let's Talk About Your Legs
Book a consult with Jennifer in Rockville, MD.
Not ready to book? Start with a free 15-minute call