Bye-Bye Spider Veins: What Really Happens During a Sclerotherapy Session (From Someone Who’s Been There)

• April 28th, 2025

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get rid of spider veins,” chances are you’ve seen the word “sclerotherapy” pop up again and again. And if you’re anything like most people, you probably paused and thought, Wait… what exactly is that? And is it as scary as it sounds?

The truth? Sclerotherapy is actually one of the most tried-and-true treatments for spider veins—and despite the medical-sounding name, it’s super simple, quick, and way more comfortable than most folks expect. At TX Vein NP, we’ve walked hundreds of patients through their first sclerotherapy appointment, and almost every time, they leave saying, “That’s it? I should’ve done this years ago.”

So if you’ve been putting off treatment because the unknown feels overwhelming, let’s walk through exactly what happens during a typical cosmetic sclerotherapy session—step by step. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.

Before You Even Sit in the Chair—It Starts with a Consult

We never jump right into treatment without chatting first. During your consultation, one of our highly skilled providers will take a look at your veins, ask a few health history questions, and walk you through what to expect. We’ll also take a few “before” photos so you can see just how much progress you’ve made after treatment.

This visit is also your time to ask any burning questions, like “Will it hurt?” (Answer: it’s surprisingly tolerable) or “How soon can I wear shorts again?” (Hint: not as long as you’d think). If your provider confirms that sclerotherapy is the right move, you can schedule your first session—often for the very same week.

The Treatment Room: Calm, Clean, and Quick

When you show up for your appointment, all you need to do is arrive with clean skin—no lotion, no shaving, no tanning beforehand. After you settle in, your provider will prep the solution, which is typically Asclera®—an FDA-approved medication that safely closes up those small, pesky veins.

During the treatment, a very fine needle is used to inject the solution into the spider veins. Some people say it feels like a small pinch or sting, but it’s super brief, and most are surprised by how easy it is. Each vein only takes a few seconds to treat, and a full session usually lasts about 30–45 minutes. You’re in and out in under an hour.

Post-Treatment: No Drama, Just Compression

Once your provider has treated the targeted areas, your legs will be gently cleaned, a soothing cream applied, and compression wraps added to help the veins seal up and heal properly. These wraps typically stay on for 24 hours, and you’ll get clear, easy-to-follow instructions for caring for your skin in the days afterward.

Most people go right back to their usual day after their appointment—though we do recommend skipping heavy workouts, sun exposure, and hot baths for a few days. And while you may see some slight redness or tiny bruises, they fade quickly and are part of the healing process. You’ll have a follow-up visit in 1–2 weeks to check on progress, and from there, we’ll decide if another session is needed (depending on how many veins we’re treating).

Want a full breakdown of what happens before, during, and after your visit? Check out What to Expect During Your First Sclerotherapy Treatment.

The Results? Gradual and Game-Changing

Now, don’t expect your spider veins to vanish overnight. It usually takes a few weeks for them to fade, and sometimes a couple sessions are needed for full results. But once they’re gone, they’re gone. And that’s the beauty of it—sclerotherapy treats the root of the problem, not just the surface.

Even better, many of our patients say the emotional relief is just as big as the physical change. No more tugging at long pants in the summer. No more dodging the mirror. Just smooth, confident legs you actually want to show off.

If you’re wondering how sclerotherapy compares to other treatments, we’ve got a helpful breakdown in Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Therapy: Choosing Your Vein Treatment.

Why Trust TX Vein NP?

We get it—choosing where to get vein treatment can feel like a big deal. That’s why we focus on comfort, care, and results. From the moment you step into our Fort Worth office, you’re treated like more than just another appointment slot. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your schedule.

We also believe in educating our patients—because when you know what’s happening, it’s easier to relax and trust the process. Our team has put together helpful resources, from FAQs to blog posts, that answer your biggest questions in plain, human language.