We all hate them… those stubborn spider veins that appear on the backs of our legs and knees! For years, women have tried laser treatments, injections, compression stockings, even surgery to get rid of these veins, but many of these treatments are time consuming, painful, and have variable results.
Enter Asclera! A recently-approved injectible treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins, that’s nearly pain-free, inexpensive, and effective!
What is Asclera?
Asclera is a sclerosing agent (the chemical name is Polidocanol), which is injected into spider veins to seal off the veins themselves. Over 6-8 weeks, the collapsed veins slowly disappear. Asclera has the highest treatment success rate of any sclerotherapy agent on the market, and is far less painful than other available agents.
Does Asclera treat all veins?
No. Asclera is only FDA-approved to treat spider veins less than 1mm in size, and reticular veins 1-3mm in size. It is not approved for larger varicose veins.
How many treatments are necessary with Asclera?
On average, 3-5 treatments are necessary, but this is variable and depends on how severe the spider veins are. If you have a very large number of veins, you may need more treatments than average, but you may also have fantastic results after only a single treatment if your veins are mild.
Does Asclera work for everyone?
No, Asxlera does not work for everyone, but it has a higher success rate than hypertonic saline and laser vein treatments. About 80-85% of patients will have a positive result after a series of Asclera treatments (compared to only 50% of hypertonic saline patients). That means that 15-20% of Asclera patients will not resound to the treatment no matter how many treatments they have. If you are receiving your first treatment for spider veins, the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor with Asclera, but there is not a foolproof guarantee on the results.
What are the side effects of Asclera?
The most common side effect of Asclera is a slight burning sensation and/or tiny itchy hives at the injection sites, but this only lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Although it is incredibly rare, it is possible for certain skin types to have more pronounced allergic reactions with more intense itching or hives at the injection sites. Overall, the treatments are very safe and very comfortable.
Are there any special instructions after Asclera treatments?
Yes. You should plan on walking for about 10-15 minutes after the procedure, and on wearing a compression stocking for 2-3 weeks. It is also important to avoid heavy exercise, sunbathing, saunas/hot baths, and long plane flights for at least 3 days following treatment.
How much does Sclerotherapy cost?
The cost of Asclera is relatively inexpensive (especially when compared to some of the treatments like lasers). The cost of each treatment ranges from $500 to $750, but talk with your healthcare provider because the price varies depending on how many areas need to be treated (and how many treatments you will need).
