Patient guide
By Saphena Vein Clinic Editorial Team · Updated October 2026
If you're comparing sclerotherapy near Orlando, Saphena Vein Clinic & Wellness Center offers evaluation and treatment at its Altamonte Springs location. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive injection treatment for selected small surface veins, with candidacy based on more than appearance alone.
Sclerotherapy places medicine into a selected surface vein. The medicine irritates the vein lining so the treated vein closes, and blood continues through other working veins. The treated vessel usually fades over time.
Reticular veins are generally 1 to 3 millimeters wide and often appear blue or green beneath the skin. Depending on the vein, medication, and clinical findings, a physician may discuss liquid or foam sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy mixes the medicine with air or gas so it fills a slightly larger vein. Explore Saphena's vein treatment options for context on other in-office approaches.
A visible vein's color or size does not show whether sclerotherapy is appropriate. The physician considers your symptoms, medical history, how the vein connects to nearby vessels, and whether a standing exam or ultrasound would add useful information.
Sclerotherapy may be considered for selected spider veins, reticular veins, or small varicose tributaries (small side branches of a varicose vein). Observation or another treatment may be a better fit. Review the vein conditions Saphena evaluates before your appointment.
The evaluation is tailored to the concern rather than starting with the same test for every patient.
Appearance alone can't show how a surface vein connects to deeper veins.
Tell the treating physician about allergies to the proposed injected medicine. Also share any history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, clotting disorders, reduced mobility, recent surgery, or hospitalization. Tell the clinic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and provide a list of every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and supplement you take. These points aren't a self-screening checklist. They help the physician decide whether to postpone treatment, adjust the plan, choose another approach, or request more evaluation.
The physician uses a very fine needle to inject several small veins, may apply compression afterward, and asks you to walk before you leave. Many people need more than one session.
Routine tenderness, bruising, itching, or localized firmness can often be discussed with the treating clinic, using the instructions you received.
Severe or rapidly worsening pain, marked skin color change, a cold or numb foot, spreading skin injury, or signs of a serious allergic reaction need immediate medical attention. Follow the emergency instructions provided by your treating physician. Source: DailyMed: Asclera Prescribing Information.
Responses differ by the vessel treated, medication, technique, and individual healing.
Bruising, tenderness, swelling, itching, warmth, discoloration, or a firm area along the treated vein can occur. Ask the clinic how long a specific reaction should last and when it warrants a call.
The treated vein usually fades over time rather than disappearing immediately. Some veins need more than one session, and veins can remain visible despite treatment.
Closing one treated vein doesn't stop venous disease from progressing or prevent new visible veins. Recurrence and new vein development are possible.
Compression, walking, activity limits, skin care, medication guidance, and follow-up timing vary. Follow the instructions provided for your specific treatment instead of a universal online checklist.
Risk depends on the medicine, whether liquid or foam is used, the treated vein, dose, technique, and your medical history. A physician should review the material risks and answer questions before consent.
Observation is reasonable when a small surface vein isn't causing symptoms and treatment isn't a priority. Compression may help selected symptoms but doesn't close a faulty vein.
When evaluation finds a larger refluxing vein, another approach may address the underlying vessel more appropriately, such as:
Pregnancy, an acute clot, allergy to the proposed medication, reduced mobility, vessel anatomy, or other medical factors may also change the timing or choice of care. The decision should reflect the complete clinical picture and your goals. Read about other treatment approaches or request an evaluation.
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans require documented symptoms, a trial of conservative care, ultrasound findings, or prior authorization before medically necessary treatment is considered. Treatment for appearance alone is often not covered. Ask your plan and the clinic what information applies to your situation.
We check your insurance benefits before your visit at no charge. Self-pay patients can ask for an estimate; CareCredit financing is available.
For what to bring, see how to prepare for your first vein appointment.
Dr. Youssef leads Saphena Vein Clinic & Wellness Center in Altamonte Springs. She holds an active Florida medical license (ME159975).
About Dr. Youssef →Sclerotherapy may be used for selected spider veins, reticular veins, and some small varicose tributaries. The specific medication and technique have their own indications, limitations, and risks. An evaluation is needed before treatment. Read more about spider veins vs. varicose veins.
No. A standing visual exam may be enough for an isolated, uncomplicated surface vein without signs of deeper disease. Duplex ultrasound may be appropriate when symptoms, swelling, skin changes, bleeding, recurrence, larger veins, prior clots, or exam findings suggest reflux or obstruction.
Change is gradual and varies by the vein and individual response. Some veins need repeat sessions, some remain visible, and new veins can develop later. Treatment doesn't guarantee a particular cosmetic result.
Follow the instructions from your treating physician. Medication guidance, compression, walking, activity limits, skin care, and follow-up timing vary by the patient, medication, vein, and treatment plan.
Cosmetic treatment is often not covered. Symptomatic treatment may be covered only when the health plan's medical-necessity and authorization rules are met. Confirm benefits and expected costs before treatment.
Call the Altamonte Springs clinic, or request a callback to set up an evaluation.
