Sclerotherapy vs Laser Therapy for Spider Veins. Which is the Best Treatment For Spider Veins?

​Spider veins can be treated with two different types of therapy, either sclerotherapy or laser therapy, both of which are appropriate and effective treatment options. They both work similarly, in that they both cause scarring of the vein, which prevents blood flow by closing the vein. Once this occurs, the body can then remove the vein and it is no longer visible on the skin. Even though the procedures both end with the same result, at Mackay Vein sclerotherapy is preferred over laser therapy for the removal of spider veins.

Sclerotherapy leads to this result with the use of a specialized chemical that causes destruction to the vein, while the laser treatment uses heat to have the same effect of scarring the vein. The heat and the chemical are placed directly into the vein, starting with the largest vein. It is necessary with either procedure that several sessions are needed to obtain results.

​"​Even though the procedures both end with the same result, at Mackay Vein sclerotherapy is preferred over laser therapy for the removal of spider veins" - Dr. Edward Mackay

To learn more about vascular surgery, contact Dr. Mackay at

(727) 527-2888

or fill out an

appointment request form

.

​Advantages ​Of Sclerotherapy Over Laser Therapy

​Even though ​both procedures end up with similar results, Dr. Mackay is a huge advocate of Sclerotherapy for spider vein treatment for multiple different reasons:

• Pain:  Laser therapy uses heat to damage the inside of the vein, which patients can feel as they are having the treatment performed and is described as a burning sensation. The chemical used during sclerotherapy typically does not cause any symptoms of pain. 
• ​Hypopigmentation:  The skin surrounding the areas of spider veins treated with laser therapy are subjective to changes in pigment, in which the surrounding skin may become darker. This is particularly problematic with treatments on the face or if multiple areas on the legs are being treated. It is not known what individuals or skin types may be affected by hypopigmentation.   
• Treatment areas:  As laser therapy is more painful, it takes much longer to treat spider veins and therefore less veins may be treated in a single session, as compared with use of sclerotherapy. This means that sclerotherapy can provide optimal results for spider vein removal with less time and treatment sessions.

​Consult With A Board Certified Vascular Surgeon About Sclerotherapy

If you’re in the market for removal of your unsightly spider veins, visit with a board certified vascular surgeon to discuss further the use of laser therapy versus sclerotherapy. Remember that sclerotherapy has a few advantages over laser therapy, but that both treatments can be effective for the removal of spider veins and despite the advantages of sclerotherapy, laser therapy may still be a better option for you. 

To learn more about vascular surgery, contact Dr. Mackay at

(727) 527-2888

or fill out an

appointment request form

.

Meet one of Tampa Bay's most trusted vascular surgeons. Dr. Edward Mackay has been helping clients prevent and treat vascular diseases. Click here to learn more about this board certified vascular surgeon.