Sclerotherapy is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. Using a fine needle, this method injects a sterilized solution directly into the affected area to cause scarring that seals off the affected vein or artery. For many people, this is an effective way to reduce the noticeable discoloration that may occur with unsightly veins.
The cost of sclerotherapy depends on how many injections are necessary, how large the area being treated is, as well as other factors that your medical professional will be able to address best. Sclerotherapy treatments average around $300 – $400 but can range up to about $1000 depending on the sclerotherapy session. At Legacy Vein Clinic, the first session is $500. Any subsequent sessions needed are $250.
How does Sclerotherapy Work?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that involves sclerosing or ablation. During this procedure, a medical professional injects a sclerosant solution into the affected veins. This sclerosant solution works by irritating the vein walls and causing them to collapse, sealing off the blood flow. Over time, this treated vein is reabsorbed by the body and the patient achieves an improved cosmetic appearance in terms of visible spider veins. The sclerosant used can vary depending on factors such as vein depth, size, and location; however, it is typically composed of a salt solution such as sotradecol or polidocanol.
What Does Sclerotherapy Treat?
Sclerotherapy has been a go-to treatment for varicose veins since the 1930s, and it remains an effective and reliable solution today. With many technological advances in recent years, sclerotherapy has become the go-to procedure for various vascular abnormalities like chronic venous insufficiency, spider veins, and malformed lymph vessels..
Spider Veins
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias or thread veins, are blood vessels near the surface of the skin that become enlarged and visible. They are usually smaller than varicose veins and appear red, blue, or purple. They typically look like a tree branch or spider web-like pattern. The blood flow to these blood vessels is sluggish which can cause blood to pool, leading to visible discoloration under the skin’s surface.
Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of Sclerotherapy
When it comes to sclerotherapy, a form of varicose vein treatment, many factors can be taken into account for assessing the cost of the procedure. From sclerosing concentrations and volume requirements to patient characteristics such as skin tone and size of affected veins, each factor is important to consider. Moreover, the provider and your insurance policy also influence the cost of sclerotherapy.
Location of the Procedure
The cost of sclerotherapy is largely dependent on the site of treatment; smaller vessels may require fewer sclerosant injections and be less expensive than larger veins. Similarly, treating multiple vessels in the same session can reduce overall costs.
Provider
The cost of sclerotherapy, which is a varicose vein treatment, directly relates to the specialist providing the sclerosing solution. The availability, expertise, and experience of the provider are important factors in determining the total cost of your procedure. The technique and instruments that each provider use also varies and may alter the cost of the procedure.
Consultation Fee
Legacy Vein Clinic offers a free vein screening. There is no consultation fee!
Number of Treatments Needed
Sclerotherapy treatment is usually done as an outpatient procedure and lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Many patients require several sclerotherapy sessions for adequate results. Since varicose veins and spider veins are recurring conditions, you might need to revisit the vein clinic for a sclerotherapy session.
Recovery Accessories Recommended
After sclerotherapy, the cost of recovery accessories for varicose veins can vary depending on a myriad of factors. Compression stockings or other compression wraps are often necessary for treating varicose veins that have been treated with sclerotherapy. Prices can range from $10-$50, depending upon the type and quality of the compression stocking chosen. Alternate forms of compression therapy such as creams, gels, or creams may be used instead to combat swelling after sclerotherapy sessions. For those who use these alternative forms of compression therapy, costs may range from $25-$200.
Does Insurance Cover Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins is typically considered a cosmetic procedure. Most insurance companies, therefore, do not cover the cost of sclerotherapy treatment. However, if sclerotherapy is done for conditions like venous blood clots, the answer might be different. Depending on your individual policy and deductible, you may be responsible for some or all treatment costs. We recommend calling your insurance company and asking them about the coverage of your sclerotherapy session(s).
What’s the Average Cost of Sclerotherapy Without Insurance?
As mentioned earlier, the cost of the sclerotherapy procedure varies from case to case. Without insurance coverage, the average price for one treatment cycle is $350-$400. This range may vary depending on the number of veins, size, and location of the veins. Calling your insurance provider is a good way to learn about the cost of your sclerotherapy treatment.
Is Sclerotherapy Treatment Worth the Cost?
While varicose veins and telangiectasias are benign conditions, they do have some long-term side effects. For instance, untreated varicose veins often lead to pigment deposition in the skin which becomes an even bigger cosmetic problem. Sclerotherapy might be an out-of-pocket expense but it certainly saves you from various side effects and is cost-effective in the long run.
Get the Treatment You Need for Varicose or Spider Veins
Legacy Vein Clinic, in Mishikawa, IN, can help you get the treatment you need for varicose and spider veins. Our board-certified interventional radiologists have years of experience helping treat a variety of vein issues. We use advanced, minimally-invasive ultrasound imaging to pinpoint exact locations for varicose and spider vein treatments. Call us at (574) 272-5347 or Request an appointment today to get started on your path to healthy, smooth skin without embarrassing veins.
