Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Vein Removal: Which Treatment Is Right for You in Jupiter, FL

If you’ve noticed small varicose veins or spider veins appearing on your legs, you’re not alone. These tiny, visible blood vessels are extremely common—especially in sunny climates like Florida, where more skin is exposed year-round.

At Perizia Aesthetics in Jupiter, FL, we specialize in treating spider veins with sclerotherapy, a clinically proven and minimally invasive procedure. Our treatments are performed under the direction of Dr. Fred Silvestri, MD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon with over 40 years of experience, including specialized training in vascular surgery.

While many people compare sclerotherapy to laser vein removal, it’s important to note:
At Perizia Aesthetics, we exclusively offer sclerotherapy—because it provides consistent, effective results for small varicose and spider veins with minimal downtime.

Our team is here to guide you through the science, benefits, and expectations of treatment—so you can make a confident, informed choice for your skin and lifestyle.

For personalized recommendations, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Silvestri.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins on the legs. The procedure involves injecting a special solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the affected vein. This solution irritates the vein’s inner lining, causing it to collapse and eventually fade as blood reroutes through healthier vessels.

Treatment Timeline

Spider veins often clear within 3–6 weeks.
Larger veins can take 3–4 months to disappear.
Many patients require 2–3 treatment sessions, usually spaced about 6 weeks apart.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most patients begin to notice cosmetic improvement within a few weeks, though final results may take several months.

Safety Profile

Sclerotherapy is a well-established, safe treatment. Major complications are rare (about 1%), while the most common side effects are temporary:

Hyperpigmentation: Brown discoloration along the treated vein, seen in 5–53% of cases depending on vein type and sclerosant.
Matting: Fine, new red vessels that may appear near the treatment area.
Bruising or tenderness, which usually fades within days.

An advanced option, Varithena® polidocanol injectable foam, is even FDA-approved for larger varicose veins in the great saphenous vein (GSV) system. It allows physicians to treat more complex cases with precision and minimal downtime.

At Perizia Aesthetics, we provide tailored sclerotherapy using modern sclerosants and techniques to achieve safe, natural-looking results for our patients in Jupiter.

What Is Laser Vein Removal?

Laser vein removal uses light energy to heat and destroy very small superficial veins. Devices like the Nd:YAG laser, pulsed-dye laser, and intense pulsed light (IPL) target hemoglobin in blood vessels, causing them to close off and fade.

Best Uses for Laser Treatment

Tiny spider veins that may be too small for injections.
Facial telangiectasias, especially around the nose and cheeks.
Patients with needle phobia or allergy to sclerosants.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, laser treatments can be useful for very small or facial veins, though they are less commonly the first-line option for leg veins.

Recovery and Aftercare

Unlike sclerotherapy, laser treatments don’t require compression stockings afterward. However, they do demand strict sun avoidance, especially in Florida’s high UV climate, since laser increases the risk of dyspigmentation in darker or recently tanned skin.

Risks and Complications

The most common risks include:

Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, especially in sun-exposed skin.
Blistering, burns, or scarring (rare when performed by experienced providers).
Temporary purpura (purple spots) or mild swelling.

This makes skin type and sun exposure important considerations when comparing laser to sclerotherapy, particularly for residents of Jupiter and the wider South Florida area.

Sclerotherapy vs. Laser Vein Removal: Which Works Better?

Sclerotherapy and laser vein removal both reduce the appearance of spider veins, but clinical evidence highlights key differences in safety, comfort, and suitability—especially for leg veins.

What do medical guidelines recommend?

According to the NICE Clinical Guideline 168, sclerotherapy is recommended for treating leg spider veins, while laser treatment may be considered for very small veins or facial telangiectasias.

What does clinical research show?

A randomized controlled trial published in Dermatologic Surgery compared Nd:YAG laser and sclerotherapy for leg telangiectasias:

Efficacy: Both showed similar clearance rates after three sessions.
Pain levels: Laser treatment caused significantly more pain than sclerotherapy, based on patient-reported outcomes.

How do long-term outcomes compare?

For larger veins (e.g. truncal varicosities), a 5-year study in the New England Journal of Medicine found endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and surgery were more effective than foam sclerotherapy.

However, for cosmetic spider veins, liquid sclerotherapy remains the most effective and guideline-endorsed method with minimal recovery time.

Regional risks: Why Florida matters

In Florida, where UV exposure is high, laser vein treatment poses a higher risk of pigmentation changes. This makes sclerotherapy a safer and more reliable option for patients in sun-exposed regions.

Safety Profile & Side Effects

When choosing between sclerotherapy and laser vein removal, understanding potential side effects helps set realistic expectations.

Sclerotherapy Safety

Sclerotherapy has been performed for decades and is widely regarded as safe. According to recent systematic reviews, the risk of major complications is very low (around 1%). Minor effects are more common but temporary:

Hyperpigmentation: Can occur in up to 17% of patients one year after treatment, but usually fades with time.
Matting: New, fine red vessels near the treated area.
Bruising or tenderness: Resolves within days to weeks.

Wearing compression stockings and following aftercare instructions reduces these risks and improves outcomes.

Laser Safety

Laser treatments also carry risks, especially in sun-intense climates like Florida. The DermNet NZ resource notes that the most frequent complications are dyspigmentation (skin color changes) and, less commonly, blistering or burns. These risks are higher in patients with darker skin tones or recent sun exposure.

For patients in Jupiter, where year-round sun exposure is common, this is a critical factor to consider when deciding between treatments.

Which Treatment Is Better for Patients in Jupiter, FL?

While both treatments can be effective, local factors matter.

Sun exposure: Jupiter’s year-round UV levels increase the risk of pigment changes after laser treatment, making sclerotherapy a safer choice for leg veins.
Active lifestyle: Sclerotherapy allows quick return to daily activities with only compression and walking recommended afterward—perfect for those with busy schedules.
Clinical guidelines: Organizations like the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and NICE consistently place sclerotherapy as the first-line treatment for leg spider veins, reserving laser for very small or facial veins.
Bottom line for Jupiter residents: If you’re looking to treat visible leg veins safely and effectively, sclerotherapy remains the gold standard.

What to Expect at Perizia Aesthetics

At Perizia Aesthetics, we focus on delivering safe, natural-looking vein treatments tailored to your needs. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation

We begin with a careful evaluation of your veins, medical history, and cosmetic goals. For larger or more complex cases, a duplex ultrasound may be recommended to assess vein function.

Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan

We select the appropriate sclerosant type and concentration based on your vein size and skin tone. Our goal is to minimize side effects while maximizing cosmetic results.

Step 3: Aftercare & Recovery

Compression stockings are typically recommended for a short period.
You can walk and return to most normal activities immediately.
A follow-up appointment is scheduled within 4–6 weeks to assess progress.

Unlike laser, there is no strict requirement for sun avoidance—another reason sclerotherapy is a preferred choice in sunny South Florida.

For more details, visit our dedicated sclerotherapy service page or contact us directly to book your consultation.

Conclusion

Both sclerotherapy and laser vein removal are proven treatments for spider veins and small varicose veins. However, clinical research, expert guidelines, and local lifestyle factors all point to sclerotherapy as the better choice for leg veins in Jupiter, FL.

At Perizia Aesthetics, we combine advanced techniques, personalized care, and a deep understanding of how Florida’s climate affects skin and veins. Whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or greater comfort, our team is here to help you feel confident again.

Ready to take the next step? Call us today at 561-318-7895 or book your consultation online.