Did you know that more than half of adults will develop spider or varicose veins during their lifetime? Those web-like clusters and bulging blue lines can appear at any age, in men and women alike, and while they rarely signal a serious medical issue, they can quietly chip away at your confidence every time you reach for shorts, a skirt, or a swimsuit.
Visual sclerotherapy offers a proven, minimally invasive solution that fades unwanted veins, improves vascular function, and delivers long-lasting results with little to no downtime.
Led by board-certified phlebologist Dr. Keith E. Campbell, Tennessee Vein Center has exclusively treated varicose and spider veins in East Tennessee since 2003. As a nationally accredited practice conveniently located in Alcoa, our team pairs decades of specialized expertise with FDA-approved techniques to deliver safe, comfortable, and lasting results for every patient.
What Is Visual Sclerotherapy?
Visual sclerotherapy is a versatile, minimally invasive method of treating spider veins.
As the name implies, visual sclerotherapy is performed on veins that we can see with our naked eyes. This technique is most often used for spider veins, since these veins are close to the surface of our skin and easily visible.
During treatment, a sclerosant medication is injected into the damaged vein through a small needle. These tiny injections are made along the entire length of the unwanted vein until it is fully treated.
The sclerosant causes the treated vein to close and the body to reabsorb the nonfunctioning vein. As a result, the blood is rerouted to normal-functioning veins.
Comfort is our top priority during your treatment. Tennessee Vein Center uses two FDA-approved sclerosants that reduce discomfort. These sclerosants are safe and effective and do not cause the burning and cramping associated with saline injections.
What Veins Can Be Treated with Visual Sclerotherapy?
Visual sclerotherapy is a versatile treatment option for unwanted veins and can treat a variety of vein types, including:
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Green or blue reticular veins
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Pink or red telangiectasias (spider veins)
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Purple telangiectasias (spider veins)
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Leg veins
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Arm and hand veins
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Chest, breast, and back veins
Visual Sclerotherapy Treatment
Before each visual sclerotherapy procedure, photographs will be taken to document the condition of the veins before and after sclerotherapy treatment.
Each treatment session typically lasts around 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for a “lunchtime treatment.”
At the start of the treatment, you will be asked to lie down with your legs slightly elevated. Then, the designated area will be thoroughly cleansed and sterilized, and a topical anesthetic might be applied for comfort.
One of our providers will delicately administer the sclerosant solution into the targeted veins using a fine needle. This solution will cause the vein walls to adhere, ultimately leading to the vein’s closure.
While certain small veins may require only a single injection, more prominent or longer veins may require multiple sclerotherapy injections.
During your consultation, we can estimate the number of injections required based on the size and location of your affected veins.
How Should I Prepare for Visual Sclerotherapy?
We recommend refraining from tanning or applying self-tanning lotions to the treatment area.
On the day of your procedure, please adhere to the following guidelines:
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Take a shower and use antibacterial soap to cleanse your legs.
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Avoid shaving your legs or applying lotion.
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Wear or bring a pair of loose-fitting shorts or pants.
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Remember to bring your compression hose.
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Stay hydrated.
While eating on the day of your sclerotherapy procedure is acceptable, it is advisable to avoid consuming a heavy meal immediately before treatment. However, new spider or varicose veins can develop in the same area, which may make subsequent vein treatments necessary over the years.
What to Expect After Visual Sclerotherapy
Visual sclerotherapy recovery is different for everyone. However, there are certain things you can do to improve your recovery time, including:
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Stay active by walking regularly. Light movement, like a 30-minute walk, can improve healing, increase circulation, and prevent blood clots from forming.
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Understand the side effects, including bruising, minor soreness, and tenderness.
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Minor post-treatment soreness is expected. Relieve pain with Arnicare® Gel or Cream and an over-the-counter pain reliever. If symptoms become worse, consult your vascular specialist immediately.
When Will I See the Results from Visual Sclerotherapy?
After your treatment, small spider veins typically vanish within three to six weeks. Once treated, the veins closed with visual sclerotherapy will be permanently gone.
However, new spider or varicose veins can develop in the same area, which may necessitate subsequent treatments over the years.
It is important to note that the healing process takes time, and it is typical for veins to sometimes appear worse before they show signs of improvement.
Most people will need more than one round of visual sclerotherapy. We will discuss that during your initial consultation and follow-up care.
Why Choose Tennessee Vein Center for Visual Sclerotherapy in Alcoa, TN?
At Tennessee Vein Center, you’re choosing a nationally accredited practice led by Dr. Keith E. Campbell, a board-certified phlebologist who has exclusively treated varicose and spider veins in East Tennessee since 2003. Conveniently located in Alcoa, just minutes from Knoxville, our experienced team combines advanced techniques with FDA-approved sclerosants designed to minimize discomfort during every session. We prioritize personalized care, taking time to evaluate your unique vein concerns and customize a treatment plan that delivers safe, lasting results. From your first consultation through follow-up care, we’re committed to restoring your comfort, confidence, and vein health with compassionate expertise.
Experience Sclerotherapy Excellence in Eastern Tennessee
If you’re facing the challenge of spider or varicose veins or have unrelenting symptoms of venous insufficiency, look no further than ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
This cutting-edge treatment effectively reduces the visibility of spider and varicose veins and addresses associated symptoms with remarkable, long-lasting results, helping improve your vein condition.
Our team of skilled vascular specialists is committed to helping you regain vein health while minimizing the appearance of your insufficient veins. Don’t delay your journey to better vein health. Instead, call (865) 233-5858 and schedule a consultation with us today.
