Sclerotherapy - Related Article

What are the current treatments for leg veins?

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Unsightly leg veins are often a source of embarrassment and concern for patients. Dilated and discolored, they can prevent even young women from wearing shorts, bathing suits and enjoying shorter skirt lengths. Spider and varicose veins tend to be seen more often in women, but men can suffer too. Heredity is the greatest risk factor, but hormonal, occupational, and child bearing are important causative factors. Even chronic constipation can increase the severity of leg veins. If left untreated, the legs can not only look ugly, but the legs can feel heavy, tire easily and have sensations of burning. Over time, it can increase your risk of leg ulcers and a chronic inflammation of the skin of the lower legs called stasis dermatitis. While the primary benefit of treatment is cosmetic, elimination of these dilated veins often results in the legs feeling better too. Remember: these dilated veins are not only unnecessary, they pool blood out of your circulation, so removing them is a very good idea.

By far and away, the most effective and utilized treatment for leg veins is compression sclerotherapy. This involves a liquid injection called sclerosant being injected into the abnormal blood vessel. This sclerosant acts likes a detergent to disrupt the lipids between the cells that line the blood vessel. Over several weeks, the inflammation of these lining endothelial cells results in the occlusion of these dilated, abnormal vessels. Sclerotherapy typically involves several sessions. These sessions are spaced at 4-8 week intervals to allow the sclerosis process to be fully complete. Compression of the vessels immediately after treatment facilitates the closure of the vessels, prevents pain, and prevents any risk of unusual complications like phlebitis. The vessels injected gradually fade over several weeks. The winter is an ideal time to be treated since the stockings look more fashionable, like leggings! The length of time that the stockings must be worn depends on the size of the vessels injected. The recent release of Asclera by the FDA has been a great breakthrough for effective and virtually painless sclerotherapy.

There may be cases that need more aggressive treatment for their leg veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy and invasive laser treatment such as endovenous closure may be necessary for severe cases.

Always review your options with a board certified dermatologist or vascular surgeon before deciding which treatment is best for you.


Meet one of the countrys leading experts in the field of non-surgical skin rejuvenation.

Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin

Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.

Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.

Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.

She has also received the following awards:

  • 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;

  • 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.

Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.

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