Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to eliminate spider veins and small varicose veins by injecting a specialized solution directly into the affected veins. The solution causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut, allowing blood to reroute through healthy veins while the treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body.
Turkey has become a leading destination for sclerotherapy thanks to advanced vascular expertise, modern treatment techniques, and patient-centered care. At Istanbul Vein Center, sclerotherapy is performed using evidence-based protocols designed to achieve both medical improvement and cosmetic excellence.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a well-established vein treatment in which a sclerosant solution is injected into abnormal veins using very fine needles. This solution irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to close and eventually fade from view.
Once the vein is sealed:
- Blood flow is redirected to healthy veins
- Symptoms such as aching, burning, or heaviness improve
- The appearance of spider and small varicose veins diminishes
Sclerotherapy is especially effective for veins that are too small or superficial for catheter-based treatments such as EVLA or RFA.
Types of Sclerotherapy
Different forms of sclerotherapy are used depending on vein size, depth, and reflux pattern.
Liquid Sclerotherapy
Liquid sclerosant is typically used for:
- Spider veins (telangiectasias)
- Very small reticular veins
- Superficial cosmetic vein concerns
Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is created by mixing the sclerosant with air or gas, making it more effective for:
- Larger reticular veins
- Residual veins after EVLA or RFA
- Veins with mild reflux
Foam allows better contact with the vein wall and improves treatment effectiveness in selected cases.
Conditions Treated with Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is commonly used to treat:
- Spider veins
- Small varicose veins
- Reticular veins
- Residual veins after endovenous ablation
- Cosmetic and symptomatic superficial vein disease
When properly planned, sclerotherapy can significantly improve both leg appearance and comfort.
How Sclerotherapy Works
Sclerotherapy follows a precise, technique-driven process to ensure safety and optimal results.
Key Principles of the Procedure
- Careful vein mapping and visual assessment
- Injection of sclerosant with fine needles
- Controlled vein closure without surgery
- Gradual absorption of treated veins
The procedure is typically quick and does not require anesthesia. Patients usually walk immediately after treatment.
All treatment planning and procedural oversight are provided under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz, ensuring correct technique selection and optimal outcomes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is most effective when applied to appropriately sized and located veins. Proper evaluation ensures optimal cosmetic and medical outcomes.
Ideal candidates typically include patients who:
- Have spider veins or small varicose veins
- Experience aching, burning, or heaviness related to superficial veins
- Have residual or recurrent veins after EVLA or RFA
- Prefer a minimally invasive, injection-based treatment
- Seek cosmetic improvement with minimal downtime
Sclerotherapy is not intended to replace treatments for major venous reflux; instead, it complements them by addressing superficial and cosmetic vein concerns.
At Istanbul Vein Center, candidacy is determined through clinical examination and, when needed, Doppler ultrasound to rule out significant underlying reflux.
Sclerotherapy vs EVLA vs RFA vs Microphlebectomy
Modern vein care uses different techniques for different vein problems. Understanding the role of each helps patients choose the most effective option.
Sclerotherapy
- Injection-based treatment
- Best for spider veins and small varicose veins
- No incisions or catheters
- Excellent cosmetic outcomes
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
- Laser-based closure of refluxing veins
- Treats the main source of venous insufficiency
- Ideal for larger incompetent veins
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Uses controlled radiofrequency heat
- Comfortable recovery profile
- Widely used for saphenous vein reflux
Microphlebectomy
- Physically removes bulging superficial veins
- Immediate cosmetic improvement
- Often combined with EVLA or RFA
In many cases, the best results come from combining treatments, such as EVLA or RFA for reflux control and sclerotherapy for residual or cosmetic veins.
Treatment selection is guided by ultrasound findings and clinical goals under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy for Spider and Small Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy remains one of the most popular vein treatments worldwide due to its effectiveness and simplicity.
Key benefits include:
- Minimally invasive injections
- No surgical incisions
- No anesthesia required
- Short treatment sessions
- Gradual and natural vein fading
- High patient satisfaction
- Minimal downtime
When performed correctly, sclerotherapy significantly improves leg appearance and reduces vein-related discomfort.
Patient Comfort and Procedural Experience
Sclerotherapy is designed to be quick and patient-friendly, even for those undergoing treatment for cosmetic reasons.
During the Procedure
- Fine needles for minimal discomfort
- No anesthesia required in most cases
- Short session duration
After the Procedure
- Walking immediately after treatment
- Compression stockings often recommended
- Mild redness or itching may occur temporarily
Patients can typically return to daily activities the same day.
Recovery After Sclerotherapy
Recovery is usually smooth and predictable.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Mild bruising or redness at injection sites
- Gradual fading of treated veins over weeks
- Temporary skin discoloration in some cases
Healing Timeline
- First days: injection marks fade
- First weeks: spider veins begin to disappear
- Following months: full cosmetic result becomes visible
Multiple sessions may be recommended depending on vein extent and treatment goals.
Long-Term Results of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy provides long-lasting cosmetic and symptomatic improvement when applied to appropriate veins.
Clinical outcomes include:
- Permanent closure of treated veins
- Improved leg appearance
- Reduced discomfort and heaviness
While new veins can develop over time due to genetics or lifestyle factors, treated veins do not reopen.
Why Choose Istanbul Vein Center for Sclerotherapy in Turkey
Achieving optimal results with sclerotherapy requires experience, precision, and proper technique selection.
At Istanbul Vein Center, sclerotherapy is delivered as part of a comprehensive vein care strategy.
Comprehensive Vein Assessment
- Visual and ultrasound-based evaluation
- Identification of underlying venous reflux
- Personalized treatment planning
Expertise of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz
All sclerotherapy treatments are evaluated and supervised by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Arnaz, ensuring medical accuracy, safety, and aesthetic balance.
International Patient-Friendly Care
- Clear English communication
- Efficient appointment scheduling
- Same-day treatment options
Turkey’s modern healthcare system and Istanbul’s accessibility make treatment both effective and convenient for international patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sclerotherapy
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a special solution is injected into spider veins or small varicose veins, causing them to collapse and gradually disappear as blood reroutes through healthy veins.
Is sclerotherapy painful?
Sclerotherapy is generally well tolerated. Very fine needles are used, and most patients feel only mild discomfort or a brief stinging sensation during injections.
How many sclerotherapy sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the extent and type of veins being treated. Some patients see significant improvement after one session, while others may require multiple treatments for optimal results.
When can I return to daily activities after sclerotherapy?
Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day. Walking is encouraged immediately after treatment, while intense exercise may be temporarily limited.
Are sclerotherapy results permanent?
Treated veins do not reopen. However, new veins may develop over time due to genetics or lifestyle factors, which can be treated with additional sessions if needed.
Is sclerotherapy only a cosmetic treatment?
While sclerotherapy is often used for cosmetic improvement, it can also relieve symptoms such as aching, burning, and heaviness caused by superficial vein disease.
