Non-surgical treatment for varicose veins

SCLEROTHERAPY · VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT

Sclerotherapy

A sclerosant is injected into the affected vein
so that the vein gradually closes.
Before treatment, duplex ultrasound identifies the vein causing the problem.

Spider veins · telangiectasia

Branch varicose veins

Ultrasound-based assessment

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy

A treatment that gradually closes the affected vein with a medication.

SCLEROTHERAPY · Sclerosant injection

Sclerotherapy injects a sclerosant into the vein affected by varicose veins, so the inner walls of the vessel adhere and the vein is gradually absorbed over time.

It is mainly used for spider veins, telangiectasia and branch varicose veins, and is not a treatment for every case. Confirming the veins with duplex ultrasound beforehand matters.

Learn more about varicose veins →

Sclerosant injection into a calf vein during sclerotherapy

Sclerosant injected through a fine needle

How it works

The sclerosant closes the vein gradually.

Once the sclerosant is delivered, a reaction occurs on the inner wall of the vein; with compression afterwards, the vein is guided towards closing. Over time the vein is gradually absorbed.

However, sclerotherapy is less a treatment that resolves reflux in a large underlying vein, and more often applied to relatively small veins or branch varicose veins. If there is reflux deeper down, treating only the visible veins can allow the discomfort to return with time.

See our treatment criteria →

Close-up of spider veins and telangiectasia on the calf

Sclerotherapy is mainly used for spider veins and branch varicose veins

More than the veins you can see,
the flow of reflux inside matters

When it may be used

Sclerotherapy can be considered in these situations.

Whether sclerotherapy applies depends on the state of the veins, the symptoms and the ultrasound findings. When reflux in a large saphenous vein is clear, another treatment may be reviewed first.

Fine red or blue spider veins are visible on the legs

Branch varicose veins stand out around the calf or thigh

There is no clear reflux in a major vein, but localised varicose veins are present

Branch veins remain and are bothersome after a varicose vein procedure or surgery

Cosmetic concern comes with heaviness or fatigue in the legs

Before treatment

Before sclerotherapy,
ultrasound identifies the vein causing the problem.

Two legs can look alike from the outside and still differ: for one person sclerotherapy fits, for another a vein closure treatment should come first. Duplex ultrasound is the key step that decides the direction.

Whether the venous valves still work

Whether the saphenous vein is refluxing

The diameter and position of the affected vein

How the superficial and deep veins relate

Where the reflux begins

Whether sclerotherapy alone is enough

Duplex ultrasound before varicose vein treatment at Bluesky Phlebology

Duplex ultrasound confirms the location and extent of reflux

The treatment process

From examination to compression, step by step.

STEP 01

Duplex ultrasound

Confirm the location and extent of reflux and the vein diameter

STEP 02

Sclerosant injection

A fine needle delivers the sclerosant into the affected vein

STEP 03

Compression

After the injection, compression guides the vein towards closing

STEP 04

Wearing compression stockings

Compression is maintained to settle the treated area and ease discomfort

Features of sclerotherapy

Key features of sclerotherapy for varicose veins

Treatment of small veins

Mainly used for spider veins, telangiectasia and branch varicose veins.

Injection-based method

A sclerosant is delivered through a fine needle to create a reaction on the vein wall.

Treating veins left after a procedure

Also used for branch veins remaining after radiofrequency, VenaSeal or similar treatments.

Ultrasound-based assessment

Suitability is decided after the location of reflux and the underlying vein are confirmed.

Can be done in sessions

Depending on the extent of the veins, treatment is sometimes divided over several sessions.

It depends on the vein

If there is reflux in a large vein, another treatment may be reviewed first.

Before the name of a treatment,
check the state of your own veins

Cautions and limits

Sclerotherapy
is not right for every case of varicose veins.

When there is reflux in a large trunk vein such as the saphenous vein, sclerotherapy alone may not be enough to treat the cause. In that case radiofrequency, VenaSeal, ClariVein and other treatments should be reviewed together.

Bruising, swelling, brown pigmentation or a firm feeling can occur after treatment

Rarely, allergic reactions or skin injury are possible — existing conditions and medication must be disclosed beforehand

Treatment is restricted during pregnancy, with suspected acute thrombosis, or with severe arterial disease

New problems can develop in other veins after treatment, so regular check-ups are needed

Strenuous exercise, long saunas and hot baths are limited for a period

Wearing medical compression stockings after sclerotherapy

Compression stockings support recovery after treatment

Our approach at Bluesky Phlebology

Small symptoms and subtle
changes in the veins are examined closely.

When sclerotherapy is needed, we explain why; when another treatment is more appropriate, we set out the direction based on the ultrasound findings. Rather than a quick decision, we value the process of identifying exactly what is happening in your veins.

3,000⁺

Vascular surgery experience

30^years

University hospital professor

1^doctor

Dedicated, focused care

High-resolution duplex ultrasound to locate and grade the reflux

Suitability for sclerotherapy judged on the ultrasound findings

A clear explanation of when radiofrequency, VenaSeal, ClariVein or sclerotherapy fits

Guidance on recovery and daily care after treatment

Attention to small vein changes and subtle symptoms

Dr. Bang Jeong-hee

Vascular surgery specialist · MD, PhD · Former university hospital professor

Frequently asked questions

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins
Frequently asked questions

Which varicose veins is sclerotherapy suitable for?

It is mainly used for fine spider veins, telangiectasia and localised branch varicose veins. When there is reflux in a large vein, sclerotherapy alone may not be enough, so duplex ultrasound is needed.

Can varicose veins be treated with sclerotherapy alone?

It depends on the state of your veins. Small varicose veins can be considered for sclerotherapy, but if a major vein such as the saphenous vein is refluxing, another treatment may come first.

Can I return to daily life right after treatment?

When the treated area is small, daily life is often possible straight away. Wearing compression stockings, limiting strenuous exercise and avoiding hot saunas or baths should follow the guidance you are given.

Can pigmentation occur after sclerotherapy?

Brown pigmentation can appear at the treated area. It often fades with time, but the course differs with the skin and the vessel's reaction.

How many sessions of sclerotherapy are needed?

It depends on the number, diameter and extent of the veins and how they respond. Rather than treating everything at once, treatment is sometimes divided over several sessions as the response is observed.

Is duplex ultrasound essential before treatment?

Yes. Visible veins alone cannot show whether the underlying vein is refluxing. Ultrasound identifies both the veins to be treated and the vein causing the problem, so an appropriate plan can be made.

Visit information

If you can see spider veins on your legs,
before choosing a treatment by name
check the state of your veins.

Whether sclerotherapy fits, or another varicose vein treatment is needed, can be judged more accurately with duplex ultrasound. At Bluesky Phlebology we look at small changes in the veins and subtle symptoms, and explain carefully the direction of treatment you need.

Book a visit

What are varicose veins? → Treatment criteria → Self-pay price guide →

Korean Society for Vascular Surgery →