Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment for the small veins that show through the skin of the legs. It can be done with microinjections of a sclerosing solution or with a vascular laser: both close the treated vein so the body reabsorbs it over the following weeks.
At Be Dharma in Medellín we work with both methods, and the medical team decides which one fits your veins after examining your legs. Sessions are short, discomfort is minimal and you can go back to your usual activities almost right away.
Benefits of sclerotherapy
It clears visible veins
Sclerotherapy is one of the most established treatments for spider veins and small superficial varicose veins. The sclerosing solution is injected into the vein itself, the vein collapses and the body reabsorbs it, so the skin looks more even.
It can ease the heaviness in your legs
Beyond how the legs look, closing damaged veins can relieve symptoms linked to mild venous problems: heaviness, burning, tingling or night cramps. Blood that was pooling in a vein that no longer works is redirected to the healthy ones.
It is an outpatient treatment
Sclerotherapy is done in the consulting room, with no anaesthesia and no hospital stay. Each session takes 15 to 30 minutes, which makes it practical for patients travelling to Medellín for a short trip.
Results build up over the weeks
The effect appears gradually rather than overnight. A vein that has been closed and reabsorbed does not come back; new veins can appear elsewhere over time, and those are treated in later sessions.
It changes how you dress
Many people avoid showing their legs because of spider veins. Clearing them is usually less about the skin than about not having to think twice before choosing what to wear.
Types of sclerotherapy
There is more than one way to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Which one suits you depends on the type of vein, where it is and what the doctor finds when examining your legs:
Medical Director
Dr. David Delgado
Plastic Surgeon
Medical experience at your service
Medical doctor and surgeon from Universidad Industrial de Santander, and Maxillofacial and Hand Plastic Surgeon from Universidad de Antioquia. More than 15 years of experience.
Questions?
Frequently asked questions about sclerotherapy
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical medical-aesthetic treatment used to clear small varicose veins and spider veins. A sclerosing solution is injected into the vein, which closes and is reabsorbed by the body over the following weeks. It is done as an outpatient procedure and the result appears gradually.
Is sclerotherapy safe?
Performed by trained professionals in a clinical setting, sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as redness or small bruises. Whether it is appropriate for you is decided after examining your legs, because not every leg vein is treated this way.
What is the aftercare?
You will be asked to wear compression stockings, keep the treated area out of direct sun, avoid intense exercise for 48 hours and skip hot baths and saunas. This aftercare is part of the result, not an optional extra.
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
The price depends on how many veins are treated, which technique is used — injections or laser — and how many sessions your case needs. The quote is given after the assessment, once there is something concrete to quote.
Does sclerotherapy work for varicose veins?
It works for small, superficial varicose veins, also called reticular veins. Larger or deeper varicose veins may need other medical options, and in that case you will be told so rather than treated with the wrong technique.
What is foam sclerotherapy?
In foam sclerotherapy the sclerosing agent is mixed with air or gas to form a dense foam. The foam stays in contact with the vein wall longer, which makes it useful for veins that are slightly larger than those treated with the liquid form.
What is injected in sclerotherapy?
A sclerosing solution, either liquid or as foam. It irritates the inner wall of the vein and makes it collapse. The most common agents are polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulfate, both approved for medical use.
What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?
The most common are mild swelling, redness, itching or small bruises in the treated area, which settle within a few days. Less often, temporary brown marks or longer-lasting swelling can appear. These are discussed with you before the first session, not after.
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