Not only can varicose veins be a cosmetic concern, but they can cause aches and pains that are totally unnecessary!
In Houston sclerotherapy has long been the treatment of choice for pesky varicose veins.
The simple procedure involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to scar. The blood then reroutes through healthier veins, leaving you varicose vein free!
Sclerotherapy also known as: varicose vein treatment \ scuh-lair-oh-THER-uh-pee \
A process by which varicose veins are diminished by ablation or injecting a solution into the treatment area.
Addresses The appearance of varicose veins on the legs, Associated symptoms such as aching, swelling, and burning
Procedure Time 15 minutes - 1 hour
Eligibility Female & Male, 18+, Non-Smoker
Possible Side Effects Slight burning at the time of treatment, Swelling, Slight bruising, Discomfort around the injection site
In Houston Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for varicose and spider veins, giving you back the confidence to show off your legs and feel fantastic in your skin.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive vein treatment that uses a precisely placed injectable solution to close spider veins and selected small varicose veins. Blood naturally redirects through healthier vessels, while the treated vein gradually fades from view.
Sclerotherapy has remained one of the most established treatments for visible leg veins because it addresses the vessel itself. There are no surgical incisions, and anesthesia is generally unnecessary. Most appointments take between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on the number, size, and location of the veins being treated.
At Studio Essex at Heights Plastic Surgery, each sclerotherapy plan begins with an assessment of the visible vessels and any related symptoms. Small surface veins may respond beautifully to injection treatment. Larger, painful, or more complex varicose veins may require diagnostic ultrasound or evaluation by a vascular specialist before cosmetic treatment is considered.
Visible veins can change the way the legs look even when the surrounding skin is smooth and healthy. They may appear as isolated lines, branching patterns, or clusters that become increasingly noticeable with age, pregnancy, hormonal changes, genetics, or long periods spent standing.
The treatment is best suited to vessels that can be safely closed without affecting healthy circulation. Sclerotherapy does not prevent every future vein from forming, and it may not be appropriate for large varicose veins caused by deeper venous insufficiency. With sclerotherapy Houston patients may be able to improve:
Sclerotherapy offers a focused way to refine the appearance of the legs without surgery or a prolonged recovery. The treatment can also reduce certain symptoms when discomfort is associated with an appropriate superficial vein.
Successfully treated veins generally remain closed. New spider or varicose veins can still develop elsewhere, particularly when genetics, pregnancy, hormones, or underlying circulation concerns remain present. Potential sclerotherapy benefits include:
Sclerotherapy may be appropriate for adults who are bothered by visible spider veins or selected small varicose veins and want an in-office treatment with minimal interruption to their schedule.
Sclerotherapy is generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It may also be inappropriate for patients with an active blood clot, significant mobility limitations, an allergy to the proposed sclerosant, or certain vascular conditions. A previous blood clot does not automatically rule out treatment, but it requires a careful medical review. Patients with substantial swelling, skin ulcers, bleeding veins, warmth, unexplained leg pain, or large bulging veins may need diagnostic testing or a vascular evaluation before proceeding.
The consultation is meant to determine which vessels can be treated safely and which concerns deserve a different level of care.
Use our interactive virtual consultation tool to explore the medical aesthetic procedures that best fit your unique concerns.
Preparation is straightforward, but a thoughtful medical review remains essential.
Tell your provider about previous blood clots, vascular disease, heart conditions, pregnancy, allergies, recent illnesses, and earlier vein treatments.
Certain blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, supplements, and prescription drugs may affect treatment or bruising. Do not stop a prescribed medication unless the clinician managing it and your sclerotherapy provider have given clear instructions.
Diagnostic ultrasound may be recommended when veins are larger, painful, associated with swelling, or suspected to involve deeper circulation.
Avoid shaving the treatment area or applying lotion immediately before your appointment unless your provider advises otherwise.
Loose clothing makes it easier to access the treatment area and accommodate compression stockings or bandages afterward.
If your provider has recommended a particular garment, bring it to your appointment so its fit and compression level can be confirmed.
Sclerotherapy is performed in the office. You will usually lie on your back with the treatment area exposed and, depending on the location, your legs slightly elevated.
Your provider first cleans the skin and studies the vein pattern. A very fine needle is then used to place a liquid or foam sclerosant directly into the selected vessel. The solution irritates the vein’s inner lining, causing the vessel to close. Blood shifts into healthier veins, and the treated vessel is gradually absorbed by the body.
The number of injections depends on the number and size of the veins being treated. Pressure or gentle massage may be applied after each injection, followed by a pad, bandage, or compression garment.
Most patients describe a quick pinch followed by mild stinging, warmth, or brief cramping. Significant pain should be reported immediately because it may indicate that the solution has moved outside the intended vessel.
The appointment generally takes 15 minutes to one hour. Patients may be observed briefly afterward and are usually encouraged to walk before leaving.
Sclerotherapy results develop gradually. The treated veins may look darker, more prominent, or slightly raised before they begin to fade. Bruising can also temporarily obscure early improvement.
Small spider veins often respond within three to six weeks. Larger treated veins may require three to four months to fade. The exact timeline depends on vessel size, location, circulation, skin tone, and the body’s healing response.
Some veins respond after one appointment. Others require additional injections. Sclerotherapy may substantially reduce a visible vessel without making it disappear completely, so expectations should be based on the individual vein pattern rather than a promise of perfect clearance.
Once a vein has responded successfully, it typically remains closed. Treatment does not prevent new visible veins from developing later.
Sclerotherapy has little formal downtime, and most patients return to work and ordinary daily activities on the same day. Walking is commonly encouraged shortly after treatment to support circulation.
Mild stinging, warmth, redness, swelling, or tenderness may appear around the injection sites. Small bruises are also common. These effects usually improve over several days, although bruising may take longer to clear.
There is usually no required social recovery. Compression stockings, bruising, temporary discoloration, or firm areas along a treated vein may remain visible, so timing treatment well ahead of a vacation or special event is wise.
Light walking is generally encouraged. Strenuous workouts, heavy lifting, hot baths, saunas, whirlpools, and other intense heat exposure may need to be avoided temporarily. Your provider will give instructions based on the vessels treated and your medical history.
Temporary brown lines or spots can develop along an injected vessel. These often fade over time, but some pigmentation can persist longer. Careful sun protection is particularly important while the treatment area heals.
Compression and movement are two of the most important parts of sclerotherapy aftercare.
Your provider will specify how long compression stockings or wraps should be worn, since recommendations vary with vessel size and treatment technique. Contact the office if you develop increasing pain, significant swelling, skin ulceration, spreading redness, or other unexpected changes. Sudden leg swelling, chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, coughing up blood, or new neurological symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Sclerotherapy at Heights Plastic Surgery generally starts at $600. Final pricing depends on the number and size of the veins, the extent of the treatment area, appointment length, and the number of sessions recommended.
Some patients see meaningful improvement after one appointment. A series of three to five sessions may be recommended when veins are numerous, distributed across several areas, or slower to respond. Treatments are spaced to allow the vessels time to close and fade before the result is reassessed.
Cosmetic sclerotherapy is generally not covered by insurance. Coverage may vary when treatment is medically necessary because of documented symptoms or venous disease. Heights Plastic Surgery accepts major credit cards and offers financing through CareCredit®.
Your sclerotherapy in Houston begins with a one-on-one consultation, during which we'll discuss your unique concerns and desired results. This consultation allows us to truly get to know you and craft a completely customized treatment plan that works best for you.
Houston sclerotherapy experts Drs. Downey and Bullocks will collaborate on the ideal treatment recommendations to tackle your varicose and spider veins.
Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will expertly inject your spider or varicose veins with a sclerosing agent. This closes off the entrance to the vein, which redirects the blood to healthy veins. Stubborn veins may also be treated by minimally invasive ablation. You may feel a slight burning sensation during the treatment, but this goes away within minutes. After your sclerotherapy treatment, the varicose or spider veins close off entirely and are no longer visible!
After the sclerotherapy Houston patients can schedule follow-up sclerotherapy injections. Although most patients can see the effects of sclerotherapy after just one session, Drs. Downey and Bullocks typically recommend up to 5 sessions to maximum results.
Studio Essex, the medical aesthetics clinic led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, is proud to offer medical aesthetic technologies & services to residents of Houston. Our ultimate goal is to offer you a welcoming environment, a phenomenal patient experience, and cutting-edge technology that you won’t find anywhere else in Texas.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces the physical discomfort and appearance of varicose veins, or the swollen, raised and discolored veins that appear on the surface of the skin. While sclerotherapy is typically used to treat varicose veins and spider veins on the legs and feet, this treatment can also be used to reduce discoloration and improve comfort in the calves, ankles, thighs, and face. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks simply injects a solution of sclerosing agents into the affected veins to produce your desired results.
The average cost of sclerotherapy in Houston typically starts at $600. The total cost for your sclerotherapy treatment will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses.
At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients. Because sclerotherapy treatments are typically more about cosmetic appearance and is less of a medical necessity, it is not covered by most insurance plans.
Before your sclerotherapy begins, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will prepare your skin by thoroughly cleaning it and confirming the areas which you would like to be treated. She will then begin to inject your desired varicose veins and spider veins with the sclerosing agents. These sclerosing agents will close off the entrance of the vein, redirecting the blood into healthier, more viable veins in the area. Each treatment session typically takes anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour to complete, depending on the size of the treated area.
Because sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment, there is no formal downtime or recovery period associated with the procedure. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities, including work, following their sclerotherapy treatment in Houston. Following sclerotherapy treatments, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and general discomfort in the treated areas. This typically resolves on its own within a few days of treatment.
While many patients may start to see the results of their sclerotherapy treatments after just one session, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may recommend up to a series of three to five treatments spaced a few weeks apart to achieve ultimate results.
Good candidates for sclerotherapy are in good general health and have realistic expectations of the results they can expect from their treatment. Ideal candidates for sclerotherapy often desire to treat the following concerns.
Heights Plastic Surgery Membership Plans
When skin maintenance and aesthetics-inspired wellness protocols become part of your regular routine, your body stays nourished, collagen production stays active, and you feel refreshed, day in and day out. Our Heights Plastic Surgery membership offerings remove the guesswork of your next visit, making it easy to stay true to your plan while enjoying preferred pricing on treatments.
The Diamond Club membership includes one clinical treatment each month (such as a Hydrafacial, chemical peel, or IPL photofacial), plus an exclusive 10% discount on surgical cases and additional medical spa services.
The Essex Society membership provides a personalized approach to longevity, offering comprehensive baseline lab panels, monthly body composition tracking, complimentary wellness injections, and tiered savings on peptide regimens and medspa treatments.
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