How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Sclerotherapy, often referred to as a spider vein treatment, is a type of procedure used to treat vascular malformations by using a medicine that is injected into the vessels, making them shrink.  One brand — Asclera — is often used as a sclerosing agent and was approved by the FDA in 2010.

left calf and varicose veins by thomas pix, on Flickr
left calf and varicose veins” (CC BY 2.0) by thomas pix

How much does sclerotherapy cost?

On average, the price for sclerotherapy can be anywhere from $75 to $400 per treatment, and most treatments can be performed within 30 minutes to an hour.  The costs ultimately depend on the size of the veins, the number of sessions you need, where you live and the doctor you choose. On average, plan on having anywhere from three to six sessions to completely remove the veins.

Overall, if you needed to have up to 6 sessions done, the total procedure could cost upwards of $1,000 to $2,200.

Another form of sclerotherapy — foam sclerotherapy — causes scars to form along the vessel walls.  This scarring allows the vessels to harden, causing them to lose blood flow.  Most sclerotherapy procedures use a liquid, but with a foam, it has a consistency similar to shaving cream.  The cost for this therapy can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per session, and again, will need three to six sessions, depending on your situation.

According to the website VeinDirectory.org, the cost for foam sclerotherapy can cost $200 to $500 per treatment, and it will depend on the area being treated.

RealSelf.com members claimed that they paid anywhere from $100 to as much as $2,000 for the entire procedure.  Close to 90 percent stated the procedure was well worth it.

Sclerotherapy overview

During the procedure, a small needle will be injected near the veins, and the doctor will use an injection technique that will attempt to remove the varicose veins by causing a scar formation by damaging the inner lining to produce a clot.  The agent the doctor uses will depend on the size of the vessel that is going to be treated.  Once this scar is formed, the vessel will harden up and close, removing the vein completely. While the patient will feel some discomfort, cramping may follow after; this will depend on how large the vein is.  The procedure, almost always, will be performed in a doctor’s office.

After the procedure, recovery will involve the legs being wrapped in a compression bandage or stock to keep slight pressure in the area.  Most doctors state it will take about two weeks after the initial treatment to allow the medication to flow through the veins. All patients will heal at different paces.

What are the extra costs?

Sclerotherapy is a series of treatments; you will need to consider subsequent visits once the initial treatment is done.  The first treatment generally will not heal the veins, so plan on paying for multiple sessions to see desirable results.  Most of the time, it will all depend on how quickly you respond the first time.

Medication will be prescribed to help reduce the risk of infection and help the healing process.

Tips to know:

Women that are pregnant are highly advised against this procedure.  Also, anyone who has had a blood clot in the past should avoid this procedure as well.

Any patient who has had any type of heart bypass in the past will be highly advised against this procedure.

Doctors highly recommend that medication is avoided at least seven days before the procedure even begins.

Some side effects may include itchy skin or an area of the skin where it looks as if it were raised.

According to recent studies, it has been shown that almost 50 percent of all patients that have had the procedure done have seen their veins eliminate.  Less than 10 to 15 percent don’t react to the procedure at all.

Sclerotherapy before and after pictures can be seen on The Vein Treatment Center’s official website.

Is sclerotherapy permanent?  This is a permanent solution; however, the veins can continue to show up on different parts of the body.

How can I save money?

Ask your insurance to see if they cover the procedure before going to your doctor.  While many insurance companies will not cover the procedure, it does not hurt to ask.  The only time an insurance company will consider covering a procedure such as this one is if pain is involved.  If you don’t have an insurance plan, you may want to consider looking for one on websites such as eHealthInsurance.com.

Try to find a doctor that is going to give you a discount once the initial treatment is performed.  This is a great way to save on upcoming treatments.  Since additional sessions are going to be required, it’s best to consider paying for all the treatments up front.

Many offices give discounts to cash patients who pay up front for the procedure.

Groupons do pop up for this procedure occasionally; however, before signing up for one, research the doctor ahead of time to make sure it’s a wise choice.

Many doctors will offer free consultations.  If possible, interview a few doctors to see how much it can cost and what kind of results you should expect.


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