Sclerotherapy
Varicose and spider veins are a common concern that can affect both appearance and comfort. Sclerotherapy is widely considered the treatment of choice for these conditions, offering a simple, minimally invasive solution that causes affected veins to fade naturally over time. At Bella Sante MD in Saskatoon, every sclerotherapy treatment is performed under medical supervision with precision and care.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein, causing it to scar and forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. The collapsed vein is gradually reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue and fades over the following weeks. In some cases, several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired result.
Medical history
Your doctor will want to know your medical history, including asking about any:
- Recent illnesses or existing medical conditions, such as a heart condition or a past history of blood clots
- Medications or supplements you take, especially aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), blood thinners, iron supplements or herbal supplements
- Allergies
- Previous treatment for varicose veins and the results of the treatment
If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or blood thinners, your doctor may instruct you on how to stop taking the medication for a certain amount of time before the procedure, to reduce the chances of bleeding.
How Sclerotherapy Works
A sclerotherapy solution is injected precisely into the targeted vein, triggering a scarring response that closes the vein off. Blood naturally reroutes through surrounding healthy veins, and the treated vein is absorbed by the body and fades over time.
* TREATS: Varicose veins, spider veins and associated symptoms including aching, swelling, burning and night cramps
* TIME: Less than 1 hour
* DOWNTIME: Minimal
* RESULTS: Treated veins begin to fade within a few weeks, with full results appearing within a month or more in some cases
FAQs on Sclerotherapy
Neuromodulators are not used for smile lines — these are better addressed with facial fillers, which restore volume while keeping your smile looking completely natural.
Avoid shaving or applying lotion to your legs the day before your procedure, and continue to avoid both until the injection site has healed. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment and consider wearing shorts so your legs are easily accessible. If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or blood thinners, we will advise you on whether to pause these prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding.
No. Sclerotherapy is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. We recommend waiting until after this period before proceeding with treatment.
This varies depending on the number and size of veins being treated. Some patients see their desired result after a single session, while others benefit from a series of treatments. We will recommend a realistic plan during your consultation.
Sclerotherapy results in very few serious complications. We will discuss any relevant considerations with you during your consultation based on your medical history and the veins being treated.
