Spider veins on your legs are not something you have to live with. Sclerotherapy is one of the most effective minimally invasive options available, and at Bowtique Med Spa, every treatment is performed by Kathleen Feeney, APRN, a provider with more than 20 years of aesthetic experience.
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins: A Complete Guide from Kathleen Feeney, APRN
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical, in-office treatment for spider veins and small reticular veins, most commonly found on the legs. A specialized solution called a sclerosant is injected directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse, seal shut, and gradually fade as blood reroutes through healthier vessels nearby.
Beyond cosmetic improvement, sclerotherapy can also relieve physical symptoms, including aching, heaviness, and swelling that are often associated with compromised veins.
Spider veins develop when small blood vessels near the skin's surface weaken and dilate. They appear as fine red, blue, or purple lines and branching patterns, most often on the legs and ankles. Reticular veins are slightly larger, typically blue or green in color, and often feed the smaller spider veins above them. Both respond well to sclerotherapy.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Adults with visible spider veins or small reticular veins who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and who do not have active clotting conditions, are generally good candidates.
During your consultation at Bowtique Med Spa, Kathleen Feeney will review your vein health, medical history, and treatment goals to confirm sclerotherapy is the right approach for you. Not every visible vein is the same, and an individualized evaluation makes a meaningful difference in both safety and outcome.
How Does Sclerotherapy Work?
Sclerotherapy follows three straightforward steps:
- Injection: An FDA-approved sclerosant solution is delivered into the target vein using a tiny, fine-gauge needle.
- Vein Reaction: The solution damages the inner lining of the vein wall, causing it to swell, stick together, and seal shut.
- Absorption: Over the following weeks and months, the collapsed vein is gradually absorbed by the body and fades from view.
What Solution Does Kathleen Feeney Use for Sclerotherapy?
At Bowtique Med Spa, Kathleen uses polidocanol, sold under the brand name Asclera. Asclera is an FDA-approved prescription sclerosant specifically indicated for uncomplicated spider veins and small reticular veins. It has a well-established safety profile when administered by a trained provider and is the standard of care for this type of vein treatment.
How Many Sclerotherapy Sessions Will You Need?
Most patients require between one and three injection sessions to treat a specific spider or reticular vein. Each session takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is performed in-office with minimal discomfort, though you may notice some brief stinging at injection sites.
If additional sessions are needed, they are spaced four to six weeks apart, giving treated veins time to fully respond before the next round.
Does Sclerotherapy Hurt?
Sclerotherapy is generally well tolerated. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief stinging or mild burning at the injection site, which passes within seconds. The needles used are very fine gauge, and Kathleen Feeney's technique is designed with patient comfort in mind throughout the session.
Some mild cramping can occur immediately after injection into slightly larger reticular veins, but this also resolves quickly. Significant pain during or after treatment is uncommon. If you experience it, let Kathleen or her team know right away.
What to Expect in the Days After Sclerotherapy
The first one to three days after treatment set the foundation for your results. Kathleen recommends the following:
- Walk immediately after your appointment: A 15 to 30-minute walk right after treatment helps support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Continue walking daily during recovery.
- Wear compression stockings: You may be instructed to wear them continuously for the first 24 hours, then during daytime hours for the following one to three weeks.
- Manage mild discomfort: Some aching, bruising, and tenderness at injection sites are normal. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is appropriate if needed. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for the first 48 hours unless instructed otherwise, as anti-inflammatory medications can interfere with the vein-sealing process.
What to Avoid During Sclerotherapy Recovery
A few restrictions during the first two weeks help protect your results:
- Avoid heat: Hot baths, whirlpools, hot tubs, and saunas should be avoided for at least 48 hours to two weeks. Heat causes vessels to dilate, which can work against the collapsing effect of the sclerosant.
- Pause strenuous exercise: Hold off on heavy lifting, squatting, and high-impact activities like running for 48 to 72 hours.
- Avoid long travel: Extended car rides and air travel should be skipped for the first few days, as prolonged sitting affects circulation.
- Protect treated skin from the sun: Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunbathing for at least two weeks. UV exposure can trigger hyperpigmentation on treated skin. SPF 30 or higher is recommended if you will be outdoors.
- Skip shaving and lotion on the treated area: Wait three to four days, or until injection sites have fully healed, before shaving or applying lotion.
How Long Do Sclerotherapy Results Last?
Sclerotherapy produces permanent results for the specific veins treated. Once the sclerosant collapses a vein and the body absorbs it, that vein is gone. The procedure does not prevent new veins from forming over time, however.
Most patients enjoy their results for three to five years before any touch-up treatment is needed. The typical timeline looks like this:
- Spider veins typically fade within three to six weeks
- Larger reticular veins may take three to four months to fully diminish
- Long-term: up to one-third of patients develop new veins over time and may benefit from periodic maintenance sessions
Factors that can influence how quickly new veins emerge include genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and significant weight fluctuations.
When to Call Your Provider After Sclerotherapy
Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own. Contact Kathleen Feeney at Bowtique Med Spa right away if you experience:
- Severe or sudden swelling in your leg or foot
- Sharp, worsening pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication
- Fever, or signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge at an injection site
These symptoms are uncommon, but prompt attention ensures any concerns are addressed quickly and safely.
Why Choose Kathleen Feeney, APRN, for Sclerotherapy in Sarasota?
Kathleen Feeney, APRN, is a senior aesthetic injector with more than 20 years of experience and has been recognized by clients as a RealSelf Most Loved Injector. Her precise, methodical technique is especially well-suited to the delicate vascular structures involved in sclerotherapy, where accuracy at the injection site directly affects results.
Bowtique Med Spa operates under the medical oversight of Dr. J. David Holcomb, medical director and one of Florida's most respected plastic surgeons. Patients in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch receive boutique-level attention backed by the clinical standards of a major practice.
Consultations at Bowtique are designed to be clear and specific. Kathleen takes time to assess your veins individually, walk you through your options, and set realistic expectations about the number of sessions needed and what your results will look like over time. You leave with a concrete plan, not a vague estimate.
Schedule your sclerotherapy consultation at Bowtique Med Spa to find out whether this treatment is right for you.
Authored by Kathleen Feeney, APRN, Senior Aesthetic Injector at Bowtique Med Spa, Sarasota, FL
