Sclerotherapy is a treatment that closes small veins with medicine so they fade from view. FCCI uses this chemical ablation to eliminate the appearance of spider veins, and uses minimally invasive options such as sclerotherapy for reticular veins too.
Spider veins vs. reticular veins
Spider veins are blood vessels that collect close to the surface of the skin. They look like thin red, blue or purple webs. Reticular veins are similar to varicose veins but smaller and deeper under the skin. They often look blue or green and can feed nearby spider veins.
Both are common. Many people see them on their thighs, calves or around the ankles. For most people they are a cosmetic concern, but it still makes sense to have a vein specialist look at the whole leg.
How sclerotherapy works
A very fine needle places a small amount of medicine into the vein. The medicine irritates the vein lining so the vein closes. Over the following weeks, the body clears the closed vein and it fades. Blood simply uses other healthy veins.
What to expect
- Treatment is done in the office.
- Your doctor will tell you how many sessions you may need.
- You will get written care instructions, which may include compression.
- Results take time to show, so plan ahead if you have an event coming up.
Why a vein clinic, not a spa
Spider veins sometimes sit on top of deeper vein problems. If leaky veins underneath are feeding them, treating only the surface may not last. At FCCI, you have access to an accredited vascular lab and registered vascular technologists, so your doctor can check what is going on under the skin before treating the surface. FCCI calls this a 360-degree approach to vein health, from chronic leg pain to cosmetic appearance.
Cost and insurance
Treatment done only for looks is often handled differently by insurance than care for painful, swollen legs. Before you book, call 904.493.3333 and ask:
- Does my plan cover sclerotherapy for my situation?
- Is it considered cosmetic or medical in my case?
- What is FCCI's self-pay cost if it is not covered?
When spider veins are not just cosmetic
Itching, aching, swelling or skin color changes along with spider veins can point to chronic venous insufficiency. Mention these at your visit. They change the conversation and may change coverage too.
How to get the most from your visit
- Bring your insurance card, ID and your medicine list, supplements included.
- Note when your spider veins appeared and whether they itch, burn or ache.
- Tell the team about any past clot, surgery or family vein history.
- Bring a friend if you want help remembering the plan.
- Ask what your plan covers, since spider vein care is sometimes cosmetic.
If your sclerotherapy visit needs to change, a heads up of 24 hours or more is appreciated. Please share health details by phone, not online forms.
Where to go
Sclerotherapy is an office treatment, so it helps to pick a convenient location. FCCI covers Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Ware and Nassau counties, with Jacksonville offices on the Southside (7011 AC Skinner Parkway, home to the outpatient cath lab), the Northside on Dunn Avenue and the Westside on Timuquana Road. Other offices sit in Fruit Cove (Mandarin/Bartram), Orange Park (904.644.0092), Palatka (386.325.2836) and Waycross. Ask which one offers your treatment when you call, weekdays 8am to 5pm.
Spider veins bugging you? Ask about sclerotherapy by calling 904.493.3333 on a weekday between 8am and 5pm, or request a visit from our booking page. Spider veins are rarely urgent, but sudden swelling with chest pain or trouble breathing always is: call 911.
