Sclerotherapy
what is Sclerotherapy ...
Sclerotherapy is an in-clinic vein treatment used to reduce the appearance and, in suitable cases, symptoms of problem veins. A solution is injected into the target vein to irritate the lining so the vein seals closed over time. Blood is redirected through healthier nearby veins, and the treated vein gradually fades.
Sclerotherapy is commonly used for spider veins and selected varicose-type tributary veins, particularly in the legs. It can also be considered for certain veins elsewhere on the body, depending on the vein type and safety considerations.
what is Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy ...
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy uses real-time ultrasound imaging to locate and treat veins that are not easily visible on the surface, or veins that connect to deeper ‘feeder’ veins. This guidance helps target the correct vein more accurately and is often used when treating deeper varicose vein patterns.
At Me Clinic, an ultrasound assessment may be recommended to confirm the underlying vein pattern and support a more thorough treatment plan.
How does it work ...
A sclerosant solution is injected into the target vein. This irritates the lining and encourages the vein walls to seal. The body then gradually reabsorbs the treated vein, which becomes less visible over time. Ultrasound guidance may be used for deeper or less visible veins to support accurate placement of the injection.
Concerns Sclerotherapy can address ...
Not all prominent veins are best treated with injections alone. Some patterns need ultrasound mapping and may be better treated with another vein procedure or a combination approach. Sclerotherapy may help if you are concerned about:
- Spider veins and thread veins on the legs
- Reticular veins (small blue or green veins) and tributary veins
- Selected varicose veins that are suitable for injection treatment, sometimes as part of a staged plan
- Leg heaviness, aching, or discomfort linked to superficial vein disease in suitable patients
Why ultrasound-guided treatment is often preferred ...
Using ultrasound guidance can improve accuracy, which may support more consistent outcomes for deeper varicose vein patterns. Your practitioner will advise whether standard or ultrasound-guided treatment is best for your veins. Standard sclerotherapy is effective for surface veins that can be clearly seen. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is often preferred when:
- The problem vein sits deeper under the skin and is not reliably visible
- Surface veins are being fed by a deeper vein
- A more precise approach is needed to treat a specific vein pathway
Am I a suitable candidate ...
Suitability is confirmed during an assessment, and ultrasound mapping may be recommended depending on your veins. You may be suitable if you:
- Have spider veins, reticular veins, or tributary veins that are clinically suitable for sclerotherapy
- Are willing to follow aftercare instructions, including compression and regular walking
- Have realistic expectations and understand that multiple sessions are common
- Can be assessed for standard or ultrasound-guided treatment based on your vein pattern
is there any downtime ...
Most people return to normal daily activities quickly. Walking is typically encouraged soon after treatment, and regular light walking is often recommended in the first week. Treated veins can look darker or more noticeable at first, especially in larger veins where ‘trapped blood’ can occur. This typically improves over time or can be managed during follow-up if needed.
Aftercare guidance commonly includes:
- Wearing compression stockings for several days, sometimes up to around two weeks, depending on the veins treated and your practitioner’s protocol
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours, sometimes longer, depending on bruising and the areas treated
- Avoiding hot baths, spas, saunas, and high heat exposure early on
- Protecting treated areas from sun exposure to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes
what the treatment involves ...
Your appointment starts with a consultation and vein assessment. If deeper vein involvement is suspected, an ultrasound may be recommended to map the veins and identify feeder veins contributing to what you see on the surface.
During treatment, small injections are placed into the target veins. For ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, real-time ultrasound is used to locate the vein beneath the skin and guide the injection more precisely.
Compression is commonly recommended afterwards, and walking is usually encouraged soon after treatment. Many plans are staged, which allows treatment to be spread across sessions in a controlled way.
do I require a GP referral ...
A GP referral is not required for this treatment.
recovery ...
Most people return to normal daily activities quickly. Walking is typically encouraged soon after treatment, and regular light walking is often recommended in the first week. Treated veins can look darker or more noticeable at first, especially in larger veins where ‘trapped blood’ can occur. This typically improves over time or can be managed during follow-up if needed.
Aftercare guidance commonly includes:
- Wearing compression stockings for several days, sometimes up to around two weeks, depending on the veins treated and your practitioner’s protocol
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours, sometimes longer, depending on bruising and the areas treated
- Avoiding hot baths, spas, saunas, and high heat exposure early on
- Protecting treated areas from sun exposure to reduce the risk of pigmentation changes
potential risks and complications ...
As with any treatment, Endovenous Laser Ablation involves potential risks. During your consultation, your practitioner will discuss possible risks and complications as part of the informed consent process. Visit our Risks and Complications page for more information.
procedure fees ...
A personalised quote is provided after your assessment. Fees vary depending on:
- Whether standard or ultrasound-guided treatment is needed
- How many areas are treated
- The complexity of the vein pattern and whether ultrasound mapping is required
- Whether your treatment plan is staged across sessions
medicare eligibility ...
Sclerotherapy for purely cosmetic spider veins is often not Medicare-reimbursable. Medicare rebates may apply in some medically indicated varicose vein treatment pathways, depending on strict criteria and item numbers. Where eligible, rebates can be capped to a limited number of treatments per 12-month period. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
FAQs ...
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why choose me clinic ...
With over 35 years of experience in plastic surgery, aesthetic cosmetic medicine, and skin rejuvenation, Me Clinic is built around a simple priority: patient-first care.
We take time to understand you as an individual and curate an approach that feels meaningful and appropriate for your needs. We listen, we care, and we support you through your journey — from consultation through to aftercare.
Our Phlebologist / Vein Doctor can advise on suitable options to address your concerns. In an ever-evolving field, we focus on evidence-informed care and contemporary treatment options, with suitability always assessed on an individual basis.
Practitioners who perform Sclerotherapy at Me Clinic …
Book your sclerotherapy consultation ...
If you are considering Sclerotherapy, a consultation with our Phlebologist / Vein Doctor is your opportunity to discuss your symptoms or vein concerns, learn about suitable options, and understand what your personalised plan may involve.
Vein treatment commonly involves an initial assessment, and if treatment is suitable, your procedure(s) are typically booked for a later date. To begin your journey, call 1300 852 050 or enquire via our contact form.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and answering any further questions you may have.