Sclerotherapy...Cosmetic or Medical

Sclerotherapy can be both cosmetic and medical, depending on the reason it's being performed.
Cosmetic Reasons
Most commonly, sclerotherapy is used to treat:
- Spider veins (small, superficial veins)
- Small varicose veins
In these cases, the main goal is to improve appearance — especially on the legs. Patients often seek this treatment because they don’t like how the veins look.
Medical Reasons
However, there can also be legitimate medical concerns, especially with larger varicose veins. These veins can be caused by venous insufficiency, which can lead to:
- Leg pain or cramping
- Swelling
- Itching or burning sensations
- Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
- Skin changes or ulcers
In medical cases, there are multiple (in office) treatment options used to address the underlying vein disease. If left untreated, venous insufficiency can worsen over time.
Why a Vascular Office Can Be Important
Having sclerotherapy done in a vascular office can be very important depending on your specific condition and health history. Here's a breakdown of when and why it matters:
- Expertise in Vein Disease
- Vascular specialists are trained to diagnose and treat underlying vein conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, not just the cosmetic appearance of varicose or spider veins.
- They use tools like ultrasound to check for deeper vein problems before treating surface veins.
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- A good vascular office will assess why you're getting spider or varicose veins—not just treat them symptomatically.
- Treating surface veins without addressing deeper issues can lead to recurrence or worsening of symptoms.
- Advanced Techniques and Equipment
- Vascular offices often use ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, which is more accurate and safer for treating deeper or larger veins.
- They're better equipped to handle complications like allergic reactions, blood clots, or skin ulcerations.
- Insurance Coverage
- If your vein issues are medically necessary (not just cosmetic), a vascular office is more likely to help you navigate insurance approval for procedures like sclerotherapy, vein ablation, or phlebectomy.
At Athens Vein & Aesthetics we treat the underlying cause of vein disease rather than simply addressing the symptoms, this way you are assured the best results. So, why wait? Give
Athen's Vein & Aesthetics a call at
706-850-3444 and schedule a consultation with a professional team, comprising board-certified specialists and experienced aesthetic practitioners.






