Sclerotherapy: Spider Vein Treatment Miami | Med Aesthetics Miami
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How to Get Rid of Spider Veins Without Surgery in Miami

Sclerotherapy: Spider Vein Treatment Miami | Med Aesthetics Miami

Med Aesthetics Miami offers non-surgical treatments for spider veins through sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment, or a combined protocol that uses both. 

Sclerotherapy uses an FDA-approved sclerosing agent injected directly into the vein, while laser treatment uses focused light energy to collapse the vessel from outside the skin — and the right approach depends on vein size, depth, and location. 

That’s why a clinical assessment precedes treatment at any of the practice’s three South Florida locations, where the treating provider reviews the patient’s health history and vein pattern before recommending a treatment plan. Book an appointment to start with a consultation. 

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How to Get Rid of Spider Veins Without Surgery in Miami

Key Takeaways

  • Spider veins on the legs can be treated with sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or a combined approach; facial veins are treated with laser, since the FDA-approved sclerosing agent used in sclerotherapy is indicated specifically for lower-extremity veins.
  • Sclerotherapy sessions are priced at $320, with a 3-session package available for $800; laser and combined-protocol pricing is confirmed at consultation.
  • Candidacy and treatment selection are confirmed during a clinical evaluation, which also reviews relevant medical history and possible risks.
  • The FDA prescribing information for the sclerosing agent used in sclerotherapy identifies both common, mild reactions and rare but serious risks, both of which are addressed at consultation.
treatments woman

What Are the Non-Surgical Spider Vein Treatment Options?

Non-surgical spider vein treatment uses one of three approaches: sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment, or a combined protocol. 

The treating provider selects the appropriate option based on vein size, color, depth, skin type, and treatment area during a clinical consultation.

Sclerotherapy is an injection-based treatment in which a sclerosing solution is injected directly into the spider vein using a fine needle. 

Polidocanol (brand name Asclera) is an FDA-approved sclerosing agent, cleared in 2010, indicated specifically for spider veins (< 1 mm) and reticular veins (1–3mm) of the lower extremity — meaning the leg, not the face. The vein wall collapses after injection, and blood reroutes naturally to healthy vessels as the treated vein is gradually absorbed by the body.

In the pivotal FDA-reviewed clinical trial supporting Asclera’s approval, treatment success was assessed by blinded investigators using a defined photographic scoring scale at 12 and 26 weeks post-treatment; a meaningful proportion of patients met that study’s success criterion at those checkpoints. 

This reflects a specific trial endpoint under controlled conditions, not a guaranteed outcome for every patient — individual results vary, and the treating provider discusses realistic expectations at consultation.

Laser vein treatment delivers focused light energy that targets pigment inside the blood vessel, heating and collapsing it. 

Because Asclera’s FDA indication is limited to the lower extremity, facial spider veins at Med Aesthetics Miami are treated with laser rather than sclerotherapy — this is a treatment-approach choice the practice makes given that indication, not a claim that off-label sclerotherapy use is universally prohibited elsewhere in medicine. 

Laser is also considered for very fine surface veins that are difficult to access with a needle, or for patients who prefer a non-injectable option.

Combined sclerotherapy and laser treatment may be used for patients with a mix of deeper feeder veins and visible surface veins on the legs. The treating provider determines whether this combined approach is appropriate based on the individual vein pattern.

Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Vein Treatment vs. Combined Therapy: Which Is Right for You?

Factor Sclerotherapy Laser Vein Treatment Combined Protocol
FDA-indicated area Lower extremity (legs) only Not a drug-based treatment; not subject to the same indication limit Legs
How it works Injected solution collapses the vein wall Light energy heats and collapses the vessel Both approaches used in sequence
Facial veins Not used — outside the drug’s indicated area Used for facial veins N/A
Sensation Mild stinging during injection Warm, snapping sensation Varies by area
Recovery Compression per provider instructions Minimal Varies by which components are used

Facial spider veins are treated with laser because the FDA-approved sclerosing agent isn’t indicated for that area. 

For the legs, the treating provider determines whether sclerotherapy alone, laser therapy, or a combined approach best fits the individual vein pattern.

Why Does Clinical Assessment Matter Before Spider Vein Treatment?

Visible spider veins are sometimes connected to a deeper network of feeder veins. A clinical assessment reviews health history and the affected area to help determine an appropriate treatment approach and identify any factors — including the risks discussed below — that should be addressed before treatment begins.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Spider Vein Treatment?

Patients with visible spider veins on the legs or face who are in generally good health are commonly appropriate candidates for one of these treatments, subject to a clinical evaluation.

 For sclerotherapy specifically, Asclera’s FDA prescribing information lists two formal contraindications: known allergy to polidocanol, and acute thromboembolic disease. 

Pregnancy is not listed as a contraindication in the FDA label, but it’s addressed separately under the label’s guidance for specific populations, and patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss this directly with the treating provider before any sclerotherapy session.

Additional evaluation may be needed before treatment for patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis, known venous insufficiency, spider veins accompanied by leg pain or swelling, or a prior unsuccessful vein treatment elsewhere. 

Patients taking blood thinners should discuss this with the treating provider before scheduling.

Spider veins commonly develop due to genetics, hormonal changes (including pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal birth control), prolonged standing or sitting, sun exposure, and aging.

What Are the Risks of Sclerotherapy?

Common, temporary side effects of sclerotherapy include mild bruising, injection-site swelling, and temporary skin discoloration at the treated site, which typically resolve on their own.

Per Asclera’s FDA prescribing information, the label also identifies rare but serious risks that patients should be aware of: severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, arterial embolic events, and tissue ischemia or necrosis at or near the injection site. 

These serious events are uncommon, but they’re part of the FDA’s formal safety information for this medication, and patients should seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as sudden leg swelling and pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or skin discoloration that worsens rather than improves after treatment. The treating provider reviews this information as part of informed consent before treatment.

What Should You Expect: Consultation, Treatment, and Recovery?

Initial consultation: The first appointment includes a review of health history, a focused assessment of the affected areas, and a personalized treatment plan, including recommended modality, estimated session count, and pricing.

Treatment sessions: Session length and spacing are determined by the treating provider based on the number and size of veins being treated. No general anesthesia is required; topical numbing cream is available for laser treatments upon request.

After each session: Per FDA labeling for Asclera, compression duration is tied to the type of vein treated — the treating provider will specify the compression period appropriate to each patient’s treatment, since this varies by vein size and extent, rather than following a single universal timeframe. 

Patients are generally advised to avoid hot baths, direct sun exposure on treated areas, and high-impact exercise for a period specified by the treating provider. Walking shortly after treatment is generally encouraged.

Results timeline: Treated veins typically begin to fade over weeks, with continued improvement over the following months as the body absorbs the treated vessels; individual timing varies.

Follow-up: A follow-up evaluation after the treatment course assesses the results and determines whether any additional sessions are appropriate.

How Much Does Spider Vein Treatment Cost?

Sclerotherapy sessions at Med Aesthetics Miami are priced at $320, with a 3-session package available for $800. Pricing for laser vein treatment and combined sclerotherapy-laser protocols is confirmed during the initial consultation, since it depends on the treatment area and vein pattern.

Spider vein treatment is generally considered cosmetic and is typically not covered by health insurance, though coverage can vary; HSA and FSA eligibility should be verified with the patient’s plan administrator. Current promotions are posted on the monthly promotions page.

Book a consultation to get a personalized treatment plan and pricing before committing to a course of treatment.

Can Spider Veins Come Back After Treatment?

Veins that respond successfully to treatment generally do not return, though outcomes vary by patient — some treated veins may not fully close on the first attempt and can require an additional session, and vessels can occasionally reopen (recanalize) over time. 

Separately, new spider veins can develop elsewhere due to ongoing genetic or hormonal factors, which is distinct from the originally treated veins returning. Periodic evaluation can help identify and address either situation early.

Where Can You Get Spider Vein Treatment in Coral Gables, Aventura, or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?

Med Aesthetics Miami offers non-surgical spider vein treatment at all three of its South Florida locations. 

The Coral Gables center serves Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Coral Way, and South Miami. 

The Aventura center serves North Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, and Hallandale Beach. The Lauderdale-by-the-Sea center, by appointment only, serves Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Wilton Manors, and Oakland Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can spider veins be treated without surgery? Non-surgical spider vein treatment uses sclerotherapy injections, laser treatment, or a combination of both. A clinical evaluation determines which approach fits the patient’s vein size, depth, and location before treatment begins.

Is sclerotherapy or laser better for spider veins? For the legs, either sclerotherapy or laser may be appropriate, depending on the vein pattern, as determined at the consultation. Facial veins are treated with laser, since the FDA-approved sclerosing agent used in sclerotherapy is indicated only for lower-extremity veins.

How much does spider vein treatment cost? Sclerotherapy sessions are priced at $320, or $800 for a 3-session package. Pricing for laser treatment and combined protocols is confirmed at consultation based on the treatment area.

Is spider vein treatment painful? Sclerotherapy involves a brief stinging sensation during injection. Laser vein treatment produces a warm, snapping sensation on the skin’s surface. Neither requires general anesthesia.

What are the risks of sclerotherapy? Common effects include mild bruising, swelling, and temporary discoloration. The FDA label for the sclerosing agent also identifies rare but serious risks, including allergic reaction, blood clots, and tissue damage near the injection site — the treating provider reviews this before treatment.

Can spider veins come back after treatment? Veins that respond successfully generally don’t return, though some treated veins may need a follow-up session, and new spider veins can develop elsewhere over time due to genetic or hormonal factors.

Why does clinical assessment matter before treatment? An evaluation helps identify vein pattern, relevant medical history, and any factors — including the risks specific to sclerotherapy — that should be discussed before choosing a treatment approach.

Is spider vein treatment covered by insurance? Spider vein treatment is generally considered cosmetic and typically isn’t covered by health insurance, though coverage can vary. HSA and FSA eligibility should be confirmed with the patient’s plan administrator.

What is recovery like after spider vein treatment? Most patients resume normal activity the same day. Compression duration after sclerotherapy is determined by the treating provider based on the type and extent of veins treated, and sun exposure and high-impact exercise are generally avoided for the period specified by the provider.

Who is not a candidate for sclerotherapy? The FDA label lists known allergy to polidocanol and acute thromboembolic disease as formal contraindications. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss sclerotherapy with the treating provider directly, since it isn’t a labeled contraindication but does require individual evaluation.

Bottom Line

Med Aesthetics Miami treats spider veins non-surgically through sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or a combined protocol. 

Facial veins are treated with laser because sclerotherapy’s FDA-approved sclerosing agent is indicated only for lower-extremity veins. 

Sclerotherapy sessions are priced at $320, or $800 for a 3-session package; laser and combined pricing is set at consultation. A clinical evaluation confirms the right approach and reviews relevant risks before treatment begins.

Schedule a consultation at Coral Gables, Aventura, or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to get a personalized treatment plan.