Sclerotherapy in Korea for Spider and Reticular Veins

What are spider and reticular veins?

Spider veins , medically called telangiectasia, are tiny red, purple or blue vessels close to the skin surface. They often spread in a web or starburst pattern on the thighs, knees and ankles. Reticular veins are slightly larger, flat, blue-green veins that frequently feed spider-vein clusters.

Both are the earliest visible stage of chronic venous disease (CEAP stage C1). Many people see them as purely cosmetic, but they can come with aching, heaviness or itching, and sometimes they are a surface sign of a leak in a deeper vein. Read are spider veins cosmetic or medical? for more.

How does sclerotherapy work?

A sclerosant is a medicine that irritates the inner lining of a vein. Once injected, it causes the walls to stick together so blood can no longer flow through. The closed vessel is then broken down and absorbed by the body over weeks to months, and blood reroutes through healthy veins.

For the smallest spider veins, a low-strength liquid is usually used. For reticular veins or larger feeders, a foamed version may be chosen because it stays in contact with the wall longer. See foam vs liquid sclerotherapy .

Why does LEDAS scan your legs before sclerotherapy?

If a deeper vein is leaking, pressure builds up and pushes blood into the surface network. Injecting only the visible veins in that situation is like painting over a damp wall: the problem tends to come back. That is why LEDAS begins every treatment with a duplex ultrasound scan on a Philips EPIQ Elite system.

• No reflux found: surface sclerotherapy alone is usually appropriate.
• Reflux in a saphenous trunk: the source is closed first, often with EVLT , then the surface veins are treated.
• Reflux in hidden branches: these are treated with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (DGS) before or alongside SCT.

What happens during a sclerotherapy session?

1. The treatment area is cleaned. You lie comfortably on the table.
2. The doctor uses a very fine needle to inject small amounts of sclerosant into the target veins, often several in one area.
3. You may feel small pricks and brief stinging or cramping.
4. Pressure or a compression stocking is applied.
5. You walk for a short time before leaving and go back to your normal day.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies with how many veins you have and how they respond. Some people see the result they want after one session; others need several, spaced a few weeks apart so the body can clear treated veins first. See how many sclerotherapy sessions do I need?

What results and side effects should I expect?

Treated veins often look worse before they look better. For the first few weeks they may be darker, slightly raised or bruised. Fading is gradual and can continue for months. Common temporary effects include:

• Bruising and small red bumps at injection sites.
• Brownish staining along treated veins, which usually fades slowly.
• A fine blush of new tiny vessels near the injection area (matting), which may need further treatment.

Sclerotherapy closes existing veins but cannot stop new ones forming in future, particularly if you have a family tendency. Regular movement, avoiding long periods of standing, and periodic check-ups help. Our aftercare instructions explain how to care for treated legs.

How much does sclerotherapy cost in Korea?

At LEDAS, the first visit with consultation and leg ultrasound is 180,000 KRW. The cost of sclerotherapy depends on the extent of your veins and whether underlying reflux needs treatment too. You will receive an exact quote after your ultrasound.

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Sclerotherapy – frequently asked questions