A provider performing sclerotherapy injections on a patient's leg to treat small surface spider veins

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins: What to Expect and Why It Works

If you’ve noticed small clusters of red or purple veins peeking through the skin on your legs, you’re not alone. Spider veins are incredibly common, and for many people they become a source of self-consciousness that keeps them from wearing shorts, skirts, or swimsuits with confidence. The good news? Sclerotherapy for spider veins is a simple, minimally invasive treatment that can help those small surface veins fade — and at Soul Aesthetics in Tulsa, we’re here to walk you through exactly what that looks like.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that sit close to the surface of the skin. They get their name from the web-like pattern they often form, and they’re most commonly found on the legs and face. They can appear red, blue, or purple and are typically a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one.

They tend to develop when the tiny valves inside surface veins weaken, causing minor blood pooling. Factors like genetics, hormonal changes, prolonged standing, and sun exposure can all contribute to their development. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, spider veins are a very common cosmetic concern that can be effectively treated with minimally invasive in-office procedures.

For most people, spider veins are simply something they’d prefer not to see when they look in the mirror — and that’s a completely valid reason to explore treatment. You can browse our treatments by skin concern to learn more about what we address at Soul.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure used to treat small surface spider veins. During treatment, a fine needle is used to inject a sclerosing solution directly into the targeted vein. This solution causes the vein wall to seal shut and gradually be reabsorbed by the body, allowing it to fade from view over time.

At Soul, sclerotherapy is best suited for those small, superficial spider veins — the kind that bother you cosmetically but aren’t causing significant symptoms. It’s a comfortable, quick treatment that fits easily into your regular self-care routine. For more complex vein concerns, we’re always happy to help guide you toward the right specialist.

We take a global approach to every treatment here, meaning we consider how each concern fits into your overall aesthetic journey — never a one-size-fits-all solution.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

One of the things patients appreciate most about sclerotherapy is how simple and comfortable the experience is.

Before your appointment, your provider will take a look at the veins you’d like to address and talk through what to expect. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing is always a good idea.

During the procedure, you’ll relax while your provider uses a very fine needle to inject the solution into each targeted vein. You may feel a mild, brief stinging sensation, but most patients find the treatment very easy to tolerate. Depending on the number of veins being treated, a session typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes — a perfect lunchtime appointment.

Afterward, some light compression may be recommended to support healing. Most patients head right back to their day with no downtime.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect?

After sclerotherapy, small spider veins typically begin to fade within three to six weeks. Some patients are happy with their results after a single session, while others choose to return for a follow-up treatment to refine their results further.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that spider veins usually respond to treatment within three to six weeks, with results that are lasting when treatment is successful. That said, new spider veins can develop naturally over time, and many patients choose to return occasionally for a quick touch-up.

It’s worth noting that sclerotherapy at Soul is designed for those smaller, surface-level cosmetic veins — not large varicose veins or significant vein disease. If your concerns go beyond what we treat, your provider will let you know and point you in the right direction. We always want to make sure you’re getting exactly the care that’s right for you.

Is Sclerotherapy Right for You?

Sclerotherapy at Soul is a great fit if you have small, superficial spider veins on your legs that you’d love to see less of. It’s a cosmetic treatment, performed in-office with no anesthesia and no downtime — ideal for someone looking for a simple, effective solution. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recognizes sclerotherapy as the most common treatment for spider veins, and it remains one of the most trusted in-office options available today.

For veins on the face, our Clarity II laser is typically the better approach, and your provider can walk you through that option during your consultation. You can learn more about what we offer on our sclerotherapy treatment page. As always, we’ll take the time to assess your specific concerns and make sure we’re recommending what truly makes sense for you.

Why Choose Soul Aesthetics for Spider Vein Treatment in Tulsa?

At Soul, we believe the best aesthetic care is personal. We take the time to listen, understand your goals, and make sure every treatment feels like it was made just for you — because it was. Our team brings warmth, expertise, and genuine care to every appointment, whether you’re coming in for the first time or you’ve been a part of the Soul family for years.

If small spider veins have been quietly bothering you, we’d love to help you feel more confident in your skin again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as a brief, mild sting during the injection. The needles used are very fine, and the procedure is generally very comfortable — no anesthesia needed.

What size veins does Soul treat with sclerotherapy?

At Soul, we focus on small, superficial cosmetic spider veins — those fine red or purple surface veins that bother you visually.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on how many veins you’re treating and how your skin responds. Many patients are happy after one session, while others return for a follow-up a few weeks later. Your provider will give you a realistic picture at your consultation.

How long do results last?

Treated veins don’t return. That said, new spider veins can develop over time, and many patients enjoy a quick maintenance session once or twice a year to stay ahead of them.

Can you treat spider veins on the face?

For facial veins, we recommend laser treatment with our Clarity II laser rather than sclerotherapy. It’s better suited for the delicate skin on the face and delivers beautiful results. Your provider will help you figure out the best approach based on where your veins are.

Ready to Feel More Confident in Your Skin?

If small spider veins have been on your mind, we’d love to have a conversation about what sclerotherapy at Soul could do for you. It’s a simple, comfortable treatment with real results — and our team is here to make the whole experience feel easy and personal from start to finish.

Book your consultation at soultulsa.com/book-now/ and let’s talk about what’s possible.

Author: Kelle C.