Visible veins on your legs, hands, chest, or face don’t have to hold you back from feeling great in your skin. If you’re hoping to wear shorts again, show off your hands without hesitation, or simply feel more at ease in your own skin, Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics in Puyallup, Washington, is here to help you achieve the clear skin you deserve.
Under the expert care of Mark Kim, MD, RVT, RPVI, a board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, our practice has helped countless patients rediscover their confidence through vein treatments like sclerotherapy. Dr. Kim personally performs each procedure with great precision and care.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical injectable treatment used to target spider veins and smaller varicose veins. A special solution, known as a sclerosant, is injected directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. Over time, the vein fades from view and blood flow is naturally rerouted to healthier veins.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy offers numerous advantages for those seeking to improve the appearance of their skin:
- Minimally invasive with no surgery required
- Little to no downtime
- Quick in-office procedure
- Improves the appearance of legs, hands, chest, and face
- Reduces symptoms like aching, burning, or swelling
- Boosts confidence and comfort
Sclerotherapy is typically performed in-office and takes 15–45 minutes, depending on the number of veins being treated. Most patients describe the treatment as mildly uncomfortable, similar to a pinprick or bug bite.
After your procedure, you’ll be able to return to most daily activities right away. We may recommend wearing compression stockings for a period of time to enhance results and aid healing.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Sclerotherapy is ideal for individuals with:
- Spider veins (tiny, superficial red, blue, or purple veins)
- Small varicose veins that are not bulging or significantly raised
- Vein-related symptoms such as aching or swelling
- No history of blood clots or current pregnancy
Why Choose Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics?
Dr. Mark Kim is an accomplished vascular specialist who has treated thousands of patients successfully since introducing minimally invasive vein treatments to his practice in 2004. Board-certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine and a member of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, Dr. Kim brings over two decades of expertise to every procedure. He is known for his skillful sclerotherapy technique and takes pride in personally performing treatments to ensure optimal cosmetic outcomes.
At Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics, our team includes experienced aesthetic nurse practitioners and master aestheticians, each with more than 10 years of experience in their specialty. Together, we provide comprehensive vein and aesthetic care in a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility designed for your comfort. Our holistic approach focuses on helping you achieve natural, long-lasting results that enhance your confidence and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients see significant improvement with 1–3 sessions, though this varies based on the number and size of veins being treated. Maintenance may be needed for new veins that form over time.
You may begin to see improvement in 3–6 weeks for small veins and 3–4 months for larger veins. Multiple sessions may be spaced several weeks apart for optimal results.
There’s little to no downtime. You can return to normal activities right after treatment, though we recommend avoiding intense exercise and hot baths/saunas for 48 hours.
Temporary side effects may include:
- Mild bruising or redness
- Itching or tenderness
- Darkened areas where veins were treated
These typically resolve within a few days to weeks.
Before treatment, follow the pre-procedure instructions provided by Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics. Be sure to tell Dr. Kim about your medical history, medications, previous vein treatments, and any history of blood clots. This helps determine whether sclerotherapy is appropriate for you and how to plan your treatment.
Follow the post-procedure instructions provided by Dr. Kim and the Eterna team. You may need to temporarily avoid certain activities while the treated veins heal and wear compression stockings if recommended. Your instructions will depend on the veins treated and your individual recovery.
Most patients can return to their usual daily activities shortly after sclerotherapy, but they may need to limit strenuous exercise temporarily. Dr. Kim will provide specific guidance based on the location and extent of your treatment.
Once a treated vein closes and the body absorbs it, it does not reopen in the same way. However, other veins can become visible over time so some patients may choose maintenance treatments for newly developed spider or varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is designed to permanently close veins successfully treated with the sclerosant. The body gradually absorbs these closed veins, but treatment cannot prevent new visible veins from developing.
Eterna uses sclerotherapy for spider veins and smaller varicose veins that are not significantly raised or bulging. Larger varicose veins may require a different approach. Dr. Kim can evaluate your veins and recommend an appropriate treatment based on their size, location, and underlying cause.
Sclerotherapy uses an injected solution to close targeted veins so the body can gradually absorb them. Laser vein treatments use light or laser energy rather than an injectable sclerosant. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as the type, size, and location of the veins being treated.
Sclerotherapy may be an option for certain small veins around the ankles or feet, but these areas require careful evaluation because vein patterns and circulation can vary. Dr. Kim can assess the size, location, and underlying cause of the visible veins to determine whether sclerotherapy is appropriate.
Pre and Post Care Instructions
Transform Your Skin With Sclerotherapy
You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics in Puyallup, WA, specializes in helping patients get the smooth appearance they’ve been hoping for. Call us today at (253) 268-3400 or schedule a consultation.