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Patients who are bothered by prominent leg veins can benefit from sclerotherapy with our team of board-certified plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. This minimally invasive treatment offers an effective and long-lasting solution to improve vein visibility and help patients feel more confident in their blemish-free legs.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure used to treat spider veins, reticular veins, and smaller varicose veins in the legs. These prominent veins form when the veins or blood vessels just under the skin are damaged and expand, causing blood to pool instead of flowing back to the heart. During sclerotherapy treatment, a specialized solution is injected directly into the targeted veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view. This treatment improves the cosmetic appearance of the legs and can also improve related symptoms such as aching, swelling, and night cramps.
Recovery:
No Recovery Needed
Cost:
Starts at $700
Results:
N/A
Good Candidates for Sclerotherapy
Ideal sclerotherapy candidates are in overall good health and do not have active infections, blood clotting disorders, or a history of allergic reaction to the sclerosing agents. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are typically advised to wait for treatment. Patients may be advised to stop taking blood thinners and herbal supplements for a short time before their treatment.
It is important to have a full understanding of what conditions sclerotherapy can or cannot treat. This may not be a successful treatment for patients with larger veins. During a consultation with Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge, they will evaluate your veins and overall vascular health to determine if sclerotherapy is the best option for you.
Sclerotherapy is commonly performed on the legs, where spider veins and small varicose veins frequently occur. Treatment typically focuses on the calves, thighs, and behind the knees. The procedure can also be applied to other areas with visible, superficial veins that bother patients cosmetically or symptomatically.
How Sclerotherapy Works
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized chemical solution directly into unsightly veins. This solution irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to swell shut. By preventing blood flow through the affected vein, the treated vessels turn into scar tissue, which is absorbed by the body a few weeks after treatment. Blood flow is naturally redirected to healthier veins, improving circulation and reducing related symptoms.
Consultation
A comprehensive consultation at Cosmetic Surgery Associates is essential before receiving sclerotherapy treatment. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess the condition of your veins, discuss your medical history, and examine any symptoms you may be experiencing. This evaluation allows the identification of underlying vein issues and ensures your treatment is both safe and effective. Your questions and concerns will be thoroughly addressed during this visit so that you feel comfortable and confident in your treatment plan.
Sclerotherapy Procedure
Sclerotherapy is typically performed in-office and takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated. After the legs are cleansed and the injection site is marked, patients will be asked to lie on their backs with their legs slightly elevated. A fine needle will be used to carefully inject each targeted vein. Most patients only experience mild discomfort during injections, often described as a burning sensation when the solution is injected. Patients can return to work and most normal activities immediately after treatment.
Sclerotherapy Recovery
Recovery following sclerotherapy usually requires minimal downtime. Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or itching around the treated area, which will improve after one week. To prevent side effects, patients must avoid sun exposure and strenuous exercise for about two weeks. During this time, patients must also wear compression stockings to help reduce swelling and prevent the formation of blood clots. Walking and light activities are encouraged to promote blood circulation and proper healing.
Results from Sclerotherapy
After sclerotherapy, treated veins tend to fade gradually and will disappear after three to six weeks. Some patients may require multiple treatments for the best outcome. Along with aesthetic benefits, many patients also find relief from symptoms such as leg aching, heaviness, and cramping. Long-lasting results depend on underlying vein health and lifestyle factors, but many patients enjoy significant improvement for years.
Schedule a Sclerotherapy Consultation
Patients with unsightly veins can improve the look and feel of their legs with expert sclerotherapy treatments at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. Our caring team provides personalized care using the latest techniques to safely and effectively treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Give our office a call or fill out an online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our office is located just ten minutes from North Bethesda, Potomac, and Rockville.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
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The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
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I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
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I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
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