Sclerotherapy at Me Clinic

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose and spider veins. A solution called a sclerosant is injected into the affected vein through very fine micro-needles. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing the vein to close and contract. Blood is redirected through healthier veins and the treated vein gradually fades.

It is one of the most commonly used vein treatments, but it is only appropriate for veins at certain stages. Whether it suits your case depends on the size, depth and location of the veins, and on what an assessment finds.

What sclerotherapy is used for

Certain varicose veins and tributary veins.
Smaller accessory veins, where treatment can be preventative - addressing veins before they enlarge and bulge into varicose veins.
Spider veins, using visual sclerotherapy.
Treatment plans where multiple areas need staged treatment, often across more than one session.

Larger refluxing trunk veins are generally better addressed with endovenous laser ablation or VenaSeal. Sclerotherapy is frequently used alongside those treatments rather than instead of them.

Types of sclerotherapy

Visual sclerotherapy

Used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins that are visible at the surface, and injected under direct vision.

Foam sclerotherapy

Used for larger varicose veins. The sclerosant is prepared as a foam rather than a liquid. Foam is generally preferred because less solution is required to achieve the result, it is visible under ultrasound so the treatment can be monitored as it is delivered, and it typically causes less discomfort with more rapid healing.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy

Used where veins are not visible at the surface, or connect to deeper feeder veins. Ultrasound imaging is used to target the correct vein. Me Clinic often prioritises ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for more thorough and consistent treatment of varicose veins.

Assessment before treatment

A consultation establishes the severity and source of the problem. Where the veins are larger, symptoms are significant, or the source vein is not obvious, duplex ultrasound is used to map reflux and plan treatment.

This matters because treating surface veins without identifying an underlying refluxing vein tends to give a poorer and shorter-lived result.

What to expect afterwards

Sclerotherapy typically requires less downtime than more invasive vein treatments, though individual experiences vary.

Some bruising is expected.
Veins may temporarily look worse before they look better. This is normal.
Tenderness and redness after treatment are normal.
Support hosiery is generally worn afterwards, as directed.

Walking rather than sitting after treatment helps reduce soreness, and an oral anti-inflammatory can help further. Walking up to 30 minutes a day is recommended. Most people can continue with normal activities.

Avoid vigorous exercise in the first 24 hours, and avoid long car or plane trips over the same period.

Why results vary

Where sclerotherapy has been less effective, the contributing factors are usually one of the following:

Incorrect diagnosis of the underlying problem.
Ineffective closure of the offending veins.
Not wearing the support hosiery after treatment.
Rapid development of new veins, which can be genetically related.
New veins developing over time irrespective of the treatment method used.

Individual results may vary. More than one session is often required, and new veins can appear over time regardless of how well the original treatment worked. Assessment, correct technique and follow-up matter as much as the injection itself.

Costs

As at September 2024 and including GST:

Vein consultation with a doctor, which may include ultrasound - $230. If you proceed with treatment on the day of the consultation, the consultation fee may be waived.
Sclerotherapy treatment session - from $470.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy session - from $740.

Cost varies with the number of veins treated, the number of sessions required and the complexity of the treatment. Sclerotherapy typically costs less than varicose vein surgery. See varicose vein treatment costs for the full breakdown.

Medicare

You may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for vein treatment. Your physician will discuss any applicable rebates at your initial consultation, and you can contact Medicare directly for further detail. A valid GP referral supports a claim.

Risks

All procedures carry some risk. Sclerotherapy does not generally require anaesthetic. Bruising, tenderness, redness and temporary worsening of appearance are expected rather than complications. Risks are discussed with you in detail at consultation, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Who performs sclerotherapy

Dr Tim French (MED0001790529) is a phlebologist with AHPRA specialist and general registration and over a decade of clinical experience in venous medicine. He holds an MBBS, a Diploma of Surgical Anatomy (University of Melbourne), and further qualifications in phlebology and ultrasound in phlebology.

See varicose veins sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, spider veins treatment, or all vein treatments.