Facial Spider Vein Clearance: What to Expect During and After Sclerotherapy

Deciding to clear those pesky spider veins from your face is a significant step toward refreshing your appearance. Thankfully, it doesn’t require major surgery! 

At South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine in Rockville Centre, New York, Dr. David T. Jacobs eliminates facial veins with ohmic thermolysis or sclerotherapy. Both are minimally invasive treatments that don't require any incisions or surgical removal of veins. 

Take a moment as our South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine team explains sclerotherapy. 

Learn more about sclerotherapy for facial veins

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for spider veins on your face or legs. In fact, it’s been used since the 1850s. 

It works by injecting a special solution — a sclerosing agent that irritates the lining of your blood vessels — into the unwanted spider veins.

When the sclerosing agent irritates your spider veins, they shut down. Then, your blood is routed to other, healthier veins, and your body absorbs the spider veins over time.

What to expect during sclerotherapy 

When you arrive for your sclerotherapy appointment, Dr. Jacobs starts by cleaning the treatment area. He injects a special solution directly into the spider veins using a fine needle.

The procedure is quick and only takes about 30 minutes, depending on how many spider veins are treated.

You might feel a slight pinch or mild discomfort during the injections. However, most people find it to be very tolerable. Dr. Jacobs may apply pressure and massage the treatment area before placing a bandage over the injection site.

What to expect after sclerotherapy 

Once your session is complete, you might notice some redness, swelling, or bruising around the treated areas. These side effects are common and typically subside within a day or two. The South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine team provides specific aftercare instructions to mitigate these side effects.

You’re free to go home after — no hospital stay required! It’s important to avoid direct sun exposure on the treated areas because your skin will be more sensitive. Wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 30) is a must to protect your skin and prevent hyperpigmentation.

You’ll start to see the spider veins fading within a few weeks, although it may take up to a couple of months for the full results to appear. In some cases, you might need multiple treatments to achieve your desired outcome.

As your facial spider veins start to clear, you can expect to feel a boost in confidence. You can keep your skin healthy and glowing by eating good-for-your-skin foods, moisturizing your skin daily, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Say goodbye to pesky facial spider veins

If you’re tired of trying to hide visible veins on your face, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobs examines your veins, reviews your health history, discusses your aesthetic goals, and determines the best treatment for you.

Schedule your consultation at  516-865-1234 or through our scheduling tool to find out what sclerotherapy can do for you.