At Mimi Lee, M.D. PA in Little Rock, AR, Dr. Mimi Lee has spent more than two decades helping patients improve their vein health. One of her most requested treatments is sclerotherapy, which targets those small, web-like veins that tend to show up on the legs. If you have been living with them longer than you’d like, you can fade these veins with just a few quick, virtually painless treatments.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy for spider veins involves injecting a special medication solution into unwanted veins. The solution causes the veins to scar and collapse or seal themselves so blood no longer fills them. Dr. Lee has mastered the technique to minimize any discomfort.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are tiny blood vessels that have become damaged and, therefore, visible through the skin. They are red, blue or purple and have a branching pattern. They are most common on the legs because there is high pressure in the legs from gravity.
Spider veins are flat against the skin and usually do not cause symptoms. However, when one spider vein appears, it is likely that more will follow. When there is a cluster of spider veins in one area, they may start to cause aching or itching. Dr. Mimi Lee recommends treating them sooner rather than later to improve circulation and prevent future problems.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins form when small valves inside blood vessels weaken and allow blood to pool rather than flow in the right direction. Several factors make this more likely:
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy, birth control or menopause
- Family history of spider or varicose veins
- Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
- Sun exposure, especially on the face
- Aging, which naturally weakens the vein walls
- Previous blood clots or vein injuries
Spider veins can return over time, even after successful treatment, because of genetic and lifestyle factors.
Why Should I Treat My Spider Veins?
While spider veins are often considered a cosmetic concern, treating them early can prevent them from spreading and covering a larger area of skin. Untreated spider veins can lead to increased venous pressure and uncomfortable symptoms, especially after prolonged standing. Addressing spider veins helps protect both the appearance and long-term health of your legs.
What Are the Benefits of Sclerotherapy?
- Minimally Invasive: Sclerotherapy requires no incisions, stitches or time in an operating room. The entire treatment is performed with a series of small injections, leaving no visible marks behind.
- Little to No Downtime: Patients walk out of the office and go straight back to their normal routine. There is no need to arrange time off work or put your life on hold.
- Long-Lasting Results: Once a vein has been treated and absorbed by the body, it is gone for good. Many patients enjoy clear, healthy-looking legs for anywhere from three to ten years before needing a follow-up session.
- Proven and Well-Established: Sclerotherapy has been used by physicians for decades and has a well-documented safety record.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy can be used anywhere on the legs to treat spider veins. Common areas include the thighs, calves and ankles. Sclerotherapy can also be an option for smaller varicose veins on the legs.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is less invasive than other methods, and most people are good candidates for this treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will review your health history and examine all of your visible veins to make sure sclerotherapy is the right option for you. Patients may not be good candidates if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, or have certain circulatory conditions.
Why Choose Dr. Mimi Lee for Sclerotherapy?
- Arkansas’s Vein Care Pioneer: Dr. Lee was the first physician in Arkansas to perform closure ablation for varicose veins in 2001 and has since completed more than 2,200 closure treatments.
- Board-Certified and Dually Credentialed: She has been certified by the American Board of Surgery since 1999 and holds dual vascular credentials as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) and Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI).
- Two Decades of Microinjection Experience: Patients and peers alike recognize Dr. Lee for her surgical precision and her ability to keep treatments comfortable.
- Repeatedly Recognized by AY Magazine: Dr. Lee has been named Best Non-Surgical Cosmetic Professional multiple times, including in 2016, 2017 and 2023.
- Patient Advocate and Regional Educator: Dr. Lee goes to bat for her patients with insurance companies and has trained physicians across the region in vein care.
Trusted Friend: In Dr. Lee’s own words, “I want my patients to feel like they’re trusting their care to a friend who only wants the best for them.”
Why Does Dr. Mimi Lee Use ASCLERA?
Dr. Lee uses a vein solution called ASCLERA, which doesn’t require the use of saline, known to create “burning” discomfort. ASCLERA (polidocanol) is an FDA-approved sclerosing agent made to treat small spider veins and reticular veins. It is a mild anesthetic detergent that is less harsh and has a lower risk of skin changes and bruising. This solution is one of the reasons why Dr. Lee’s treatments are more comfortable than traditional sclerotherapy.
What Type of Needle Does Dr. Lee Use for Sclerotherapy?
Dr. Lee uses ultra-fine needles for more accuracy and patient comfort. These needles are thinner than those typically used for other injections and also limit the chance of bruising after the treatment. With Dr. Mimi Lee, sclerotherapy treatments are much more manageable and less intimidating.
What to Expect Before Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
At Dr. Lee’s practice, you can start with a free vein screening to see if you are a good potential candidate for sclerotherapy. From there, you may move on to diagnostic methods like ultrasound to map affected veins and to determine if there are deeper causes for your spider veins.
Once your appointment is scheduled, there are no complicated preparation steps. However, we do recommend that you avoid shaving or applying lotion to your legs on the day of treatment. You should also wear loose, comfortable pants that make it easy to access the treatment area.
What to Expect During the Sclerotherapy Procedure
This treatment takes place in our Little Rock office, and no hospital visit is required. There will also be no general anesthesia or incisions. Usually, sclerotherapy appointments take less than an hour. This will depend on the number of veins Dr. Lee is treating. If you have a large number of spider veins, they may need to be treated in several sessions rather than just one.
You will rest comfortably while Dr. Lee cleans the treatment area. Using her ultra-fine needles, she will inject the ASCLERA into each vein. After the injections, you will need to get up, walk around and put on your compression garments. You will be free to go home right after the treatment.
After Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
You’ll need to wear the prescribed compression hose for two to three days following treatment. This will help to keep the veins from refilling and improve your results. You’ll be encouraged to immediately get back to normal activity and mild exercise, such as walking. However, you may also want to avoid certain activities such as heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, and lengthy squatting for a few days.
Avoid hot baths, saunas, direct sun exposure and alcohol for at least 48 hours, as these can all dilate blood vessels and interfere with the healing process. Some patients may notice mild bruising or redness at the injection sites. These side effects are temporary and resolve within a few days. If you have any questions during your recovery, you can call our office any time.
Sclerotherapy Results
Typically, the body absorbs the treated veins within a few weeks. Results often last 3 to 10 years. Veins may appear in the same or nearby areas because treatment does not correct the underlying causes of spider veins that are usually driven by hormonal or genetic influences. Many of Dr. Lee’s established patients come in to have treatment before spring or summer to get ready for shorts and swimsuits.
How Many Sclerotherapy Treatments Will I Need?
Most people need two or three treatments to get the best results. Dr. Lee schedules the additional appointments about a month apart. Mild cases with just a few veins may only need one treatment, while those with extensive spider veins may benefit from more appointments. At each visit, Dr. Lee reassesses the area and can adjust the treatment plan as needed based on how your veins are responding. She will keep you up to date and give you realistic expectations of how many sessions you are likely to need to get the results you want.
Sclerotherapy vs. Other Vein Treatments
Sclerotherapy is the most widely used and well-studied treatment for spider veins, and it is also used on smaller varicose veins. Larger varicose veins may require a different strategy for removal, such as thermal ablation or phlebectomy. Dr. Lee is one of the most experienced vein physicians in Arkansas and can determine what type of treatment is right for your vein concerns.
Before and After Sclerotherapy
To get a better idea of what you can expect from sclerotherapy, check out the Photos section to see before and after photos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sclerotherapy
Is Sclerotherapy safe?
Sclerotherapy has been performed for decades and has a well-documented safety record. Dr. Lee is a board-certified surgeon with extensive vein training who has refined sclerotherapy techniques and knows how to mitigate the risk of complications. As with any injection-based treatment, minor side effects like bruising or temporary skin discoloration can occur, and Dr. Lee will discuss these and others in more detail during your consultation.
How soon will I see results?
Results typically begin to appear within two to six weeks as your body naturally absorbs the treated veins, with full results visible within a few months. If Dr. Lee has recommended multiple sessions, the process may take a bit longer. Smaller veins generally respond more quickly than larger ones.
Can I drive myself home after treatment?
Yes, you can drive yourself home after sclerotherapy. No general anesthesia or sedation is needed for this treatment, especially with Dr. Lee’s use of ASCLERA. You are encouraged to walk around right after your treatment to encourage circulation.
Will insurance cover sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy for cosmetic spider veins is not typically covered by insurance. If spider veins are causing uncomfortable physical symptoms like aching and itching, there may be grounds for coverage depending on your plan. You will need to contact your provider to find out more specific information regarding your case.
Can spider veins come back after treatment?
The treated veins are not able to come back after being absorbed by the body. However, there are often deeper reasons for spider veins, like hormonal factors and venous insufficiency, that can cause new veins to appear. These new veins can be treated with additional sessions whenever you notice them.
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
Sclerotherapy cost will depend on the number of veins that are treated during the session. You can schedule a consultation to get an accurate estimate for your treatment plan.
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Spider veins and varicose veins are both caused by weakened or damaged vein valves, but they differ in size and appearance and affect different types of veins in the legs. Spider veins occur in tiny veins close to the surface of the skin, called capillaries or venules. Varicose veins are usually the saphenous veins, larger superficial veins that are not surrounded by muscle and can be more susceptible to weakening.
What is venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves inside the veins are not working properly, making it difficult for blood to flow back toward the heart. This pressure can lead to the development of spider veins and varicose veins and is often an underlying cause of recurring vein problems. Dr. Lee will assess whether venous insufficiency may be contributing to your vein concerns.
When is the best time for sclerotherapy treatments?
If you want to have smooth skin free from visible veins by spring or summer, the best time to start treatments is the fall or winter months. This is also a good time because aftercare involves wearing compression stockings and avoiding sun exposure on the treated area. Both of these are easier and more comfortable during the colder months. However, sclerotherapy can be performed year-round, any time you decide to get your visible veins under control. We recommend starting treatments sooner rather than later since spider veins can progress.
Schedule Your Sclerotherapy Consultation Today
Mimi Lee M.D. PA has been helping patients in Little Rock and across Arkansas get clear, healthy-looking legs for more than two decades. If spider veins are bothering you, we would love to help. Call us at 501-224-0880 or request an appointment online to get started.