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What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure in which a special chemical solution is injected into varicose or spider veins in the legs. The treatment is meant to eliminate the enlarged veins, making the skin look smoother and more youthful while alleviating discomfort.

Our legs contain many veins, and when the valves in those veins become weak or damaged, they can transform into unsightly varicose or spider veins. When men and women accumulate many of these enlarged veins, it can make them feel self-conscious and unattractive. Plus, varicose and spider veins can often cause discomfort. If you’d like to get rid of these pronounced veins and restore a smooth, youthful appearance to your legs, sclerotherapy could be ideal.

How Does Sclerotherapy Work?

When the chemical solution is injected into the varicose or spider vein during sclerotherapy treatment, it irritates the vein's lining and causes it to swell. As the walls of the vein expand, they become stuck together, which seals off the vein and stops the blood flow. After this process is finished, the scarred vein begins to fade. It stops causing discomfort, and after a while, it disappears entirely.

What are the benefits of Sclerotherapy?

  • Eliminates a high percentage of varicose and spider veins
  • It makes the legs look smoother and more youthful
  • Improves self-confidence
  • Provides long-lasting results
  • Alleviates discomfort

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

When your sclerotherapy session is finished, you may be kept lying down for 15 minutes for monitoring. After that, you can leave the office and go about your normal activities. It’s important to walk around after the procedure to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.

You will also want to avoid the following after your treatment:

  • Sun exposure to the treatment areas (for two weeks)
  • Hot baths (for 48 hours)
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (for 48 hours)

Patient Testimonials

It is without saying that Dr. Holcomb's staff is par excellence. You are greeted with respect and professionalism. Personally of utmost importance was to trust my face to a Doct...

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and could not be happier!! From consultation to post op appointments the staff and Dr. Kreithen have been amazing. Staff is always available to speak to...

I have had an astounding experience with Dr.Kreithen! From the beginning, he was very knowledgeable and informative. Throughout the entire process, they were easily available to...

Dr. Kreithen gave me an arm lift in June. I am so pleased with the results. The surgery went well and was almost pain free. The office staff is wonderful and caring. I highly re...

Dr. Kreithen and everyone on his staff was amazing throughout my entire process. I had a lower body lift and LOVE the results. I did have some minor issues being allergic to med...

Dr. Kreithen had a great bedside manner. He is great at what he does. My BA was beautifully done and his team was awesome.

Dr Kreithen did a fantastic job on my breasts. I am an older woman that had implants from 10 years ago. It was embarrassing for me at my current age to request new ones. I'm so ...

Dr Kreithen spotted something from a prior MRI done in 2017 & 2019. He basically has saved my life. Having had breast implants for 32 years and suffering fibromyalgia for th...

Dr. Holcomb is a gifted surgeon who will make you look your best. I've had 3 procedures and am delighted with all 3. I especially have to commend his staff... Lauren and Leslie ...

Doctor Kreithen and his staff are the absolute BEST. Caring, friendly, efficient, and my surgery outcome is the best. After surgery I had ZERO pain, recovery was easy, follow up...

If I could give a 10 star rating i sure would. I had both Dr Kreithan and Dr Holcolm did procedures on me in march. Dr Kreithen LISTENED TO my husband and me and HEARD us. This ...

They say breast reduction patients are among the happiest of plastic surgery patients. I am very happy with my decision to go with Holcomb Plastic Surgery. I am pleased with the...

My daughter who had her breast done by Dr. Kreithen told me to go to him for the type of surgeries I was wanting to have done. He did a beautiful job with her breast implants. I...

Had BA in 12/2017 and decided on Dr Kreithen. I had been planning on BA for 7-8yrs , had a couple of consultations with others , but just did not feel 100% about the surgeons I ...

I found all the staff very professional, kind, and helpful which is a big plus . I have no negative feedback which is why I give 5+ stars

Dr. Holcomb is an incredible rhinoplasty surgeon. I'm at about 9 months post op, so pretty much all of the swelling is gone, and I could not be more happy. I'm sure most people ...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

Dr. Holcomb is the only one I let do my Botox. I have a short forehead, which can be difficult to do with an untrained provider. The entire office is professional and polite. Wo...

Truly the most professional and skilled plastic surgery practice in the area! Truly everything you would ever want in a doctor. I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Kreithen and LOVE my ...

I recently had eyelid surgery and laser treatment under my eyes done by Dr. Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb is very professional and friendly. He always asked if there were any questions o...

Dr Kreithen has been doing my Botox for about five years, I would never ever consider going to see another doctor. He is masterful at what he does! Always uses only a limited am...

I had a breast reduction completed by Dr. Kreithen, in January. Before surgery I stopped drinking heavily on coffee. I cut back to drinking 1/2 cup to a cup of coffee a day for ...

Dr Holcomb is an excellent surgeon I had a facelift and laser skin resurfacing. I feel 10 years younger and am very pleased with the result

Dr Kreithen gets my best recommendation for anyone looking for a talented plastic surgeon. Very happy with the results of my procedure. He knows what he is doing and I am a happ...

My experience with Dr. Kreithen was amazing. I originally made two consultation appointments with different doctors to shop around but after my first appointment with Holcomb &a...

Dr. Kreithen is amazing. I saw him for Botox and he did a great job. He is an artist with the needles so I felt no pain. I had no bruising and all my wrinkles were blurred away....

Dr. Holcomb and his staff are the best. I had a very positive experience and I'm thrilled with the results of my procedures.

Dr Kreithen did an amazing job on my tummy tuck! I absolutely love the results. The office is clean and beautiful, all the staff have been so kind and respectful, and follow up ...

I am so thrilled with the results. it helps with The helium plasma laser procedure took away years of smoking and sun, damage, The staff and everybody in the office went beyond ...

After contemplating breast augmentation for years, I couldn't be more happier with my decision to choose the best Doctor in the Sarasota area, Dr. Kreithen. My new gals are perf...

Dr. Kreithen is an incredible surgeon and the staff that work along side him are just as incredible. I went to him to see if he could fix some awful scars on my breasts from a p...

My original breast augmentation was performed by Dr. Kreithen approximate 12 years ago. I wanted to increase my size and also get the newest implants. I am beyond happy with my ...

I would highly recommend Dr. Kreithen to anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery he is very knowledgeable and takes the time to listen to your concerns I had a great experien...

Dr Holcomb is AWESOME! I was very afraid to have anything done to my face, but, Dr Holcomb not only reassured me, his results are amazing!! I couldn't be more pleased and I woul...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

I can't say enough about my experience with Dr. Kreithen. Him himself all the office staff were absolutely amazing! Everyone was very thorough with explaining my procedures. Any...

I went in for a consultation to see what my options were for reducing the fat under my chin. I did not want anything injected, and I did not want to go under the knife. Kimberly...

Kim Daily performed both Ultherapy and Halo laser treatment for me last month. At age 45, I was looking for something other than fillers to freshen up my look. Kim Daily took th...

After an abundant amount of research & asking around, a friend referred me to this facility to find out more about a procedure. The staff made me feel at home, and made sure...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

This was my second surgical procedure with this office & again I want to say thank you to the entire staff especially the front desk, the nurses & of course Dr. Holcomb....

I had a lower face/neck lift with a full face CO2 laser and I couldn’t be happier with the results!  I look like myself only more refreshed and younger!   The of...

I recently underwent a facelift at Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, and I couldn't be happier with the results and overall experience. The professionalism and ...

I went in, feeling pretty discouraged. I can say that, from the beginning of my experience, through the surgery, and the end of my experience, which is now has been almost 6 mon...

Fortunately, I have had the pleasure to have procedures done by both Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Holcomb.  Their office staff and nurses are considerate and caring.  They sho...

I had a breast implant  replacement done by Dr  Kreithen.  I did my research on all the Sarasota Plastic surgeons and Dr Holcomb and Dr Kreithen and their clinic ...

I had procedures done by both holcomb and kreithen. I cant sing their praises enough. The office staff and nurses are incredibly kind and helpful. The doctors are amazing. I was...

The entire staff at this place went above and beyond for the entire process! I had abdominoplasty with hernia and abdominal wall repair and I was a nervous wreck at first; but t...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

View All Reviews
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Am I a Candidate for Sclerotherapy?

Men and women looking for an effective way to remove varicose and/or spider veins in their legs may be candidates for sclerotherapy. To be an ideal candidate for the procedure, you should:

  • Be generally healthy
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Not have an active deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis
  • Have varicose and/or spider veins in your legs that you want to remove

What Should I Expect During the Procedure?

When you decide to undergo sclerotherapy treatment through Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, your first step will be a consultation with Dr. Holcomb or Dr. Kreithen. During this consultation, the doctor will understand your goals for the procedure. He’ll also ask you about your medical history, medications, and allergies.

The treatment itself can be done right at our MedSpa location in Sarasota. During the procedure, you will lie either on your back or stomach, depending on the locations of the targeted veins. The doctor will cleanse the skin in the area of the first vein. Then, using a fine needle, he will inject the chemical solution directly into the varicose or spider vein. You may feel some minor pain during this part of the treatment.

The injection process will be repeated for each vein you remove during the procedure. Depending on the extent of the treatment, a sclerotherapy session can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Most potential side effects from sclerotherapy are minor and will disappear within days or weeks.

These side effects may appear around the injection site(s):

  • Bruising
  • Multiple tiny red blood vessels
  • Redness
  • Small sores
  • Darkened skin
  • Inflammation

Although they are rare, several more serious side effects may also occur:

  • Blood clots
  • Air bubbles in the blood
  • Allergic reactions
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Why Choose HK Plastic Surgery & MedSpa?

At Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we take great pride in providing our patients with consistently excellent results. For sclerotherapy treatment in Sarasota, you can count on receiving expert, personalized care at our MedSpa location. Our skilled team at the facility will go the extra mile to ensure your comfort and satisfaction throughout the entire process. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

J. David Holcomb, MD Face, Nose & Laser Surgery

J. David Holcomb, MD is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Laser Surgeon (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology) who has practiced in Sarasota since 2000. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as rhinoplasty and laser resurfacing, and he has participated in groundbreaking clinical research trials (principal investigator in several helium plasma dermal resurfacing studies and BLESS II Letybo neurotoxin non-inferiority study).

Meet Dr. Holcomb
Dr. J David Holcomb

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD Breast & Body Surgery

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD is an Aesthetic Breast & Contouring Body Specialist who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kreithen has practiced in Sarasota, Florida since 2004.

Meet Dr. Kreithen

Marc J. Salzman, MD Face, Breast & Body Surgery

Marc J. Salzman, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in face and body procedures. A recognized educator and innovator, he's known for advancing techniques and contributing to FDA studies on breast implants.

Meet Dr. Salzman
Dr. Marc Salzman

How Long Will It Take To See Results After Sclerotherapy?

After a sclerotherapy treatment, the targeted varicose and/or spider veins will gradually disappear. Smaller veins will typically take three to six weeks to fade, while larger ones may take up to three or four months. Veins that respond to the treatment usually do not come back, but new veins may still appear in other areas.

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