Sclerotherapy in Chicago
Sclerotherapy is an injection of a solution, called a sclerosant, into the vein through a very fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the vein so that it seals off, and blood is rerouted through healthier veins. Dr. Elbaridi uses it two ways: for spider veins you can see at the surface, and, under ultrasound guidance, for larger varicose veins below the skin. Dr. Nidal Elbaridi performs every procedure in the office at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
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Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Spider-vein and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy for spider veins
Cosmetic spider-vein treatment at Loop Medical Center is sclerotherapy, performed in the office by Dr. Nidal Elbaridi. It is for spider veins that bother you because of how they look rather than because of symptoms. Because it is cosmetic, it is not covered by insurance.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy reaches deeper veins not visible at the surface. Dr. Elbaridi watches the needle and the solution on the ultrasound screen, often using the sclerosant as a foam so it fills the vein. It treats varicose veins below the skin, branches left after RFA or VenaSeal, and veins that are hard to reach with a catheter. When it is part of treatment for symptomatic venous insufficiency, it is a medical procedure.
Also called
Sclerotherapy, spider vein injections, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy. Dr. Elbaridi chooses the solution and its strength for each vein. Varithena is a ready-made medicated microfoam used for larger veins.
Find out which treatment your veins need
Every visit starts with a venous duplex ultrasound, so treatment is matched to what is actually happening in your veins.
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Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.
Your visit starts with a medical evaluation
Every visit starts with a venous duplex ultrasound, so treatment is matched to what is actually happening in your veins. Dr. Elbaridi checks whether your spider veins are only a cosmetic concern or a sign of an underlying problem such as venous insufficiency. Medical vein treatment is covered by most insurance when ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency.
If a larger leaking vein is feeding the spider veins, Dr. Elbaridi treats that vein first. Treating spider veins without correcting the underlying problem usually produces temporary results.
Who sclerotherapy is for
- Spider veins or small varicose veins on the legs
- Varicose veins below the skin that the ultrasound shows are leaking (ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy)
- Veins left after RFA, VenaSeal or Varithena
- Aching, burning or itching over small veins, or concern about how they look
Who it isn’t for
Sclerotherapy may not be appropriate if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding (treatment is usually put off)
- have an active blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or superficial thrombophlebitis)
- have a known allergy to the sclerosing solution
- have an untreated leaking vein feeding the spider veins, until that vein is treated
- are unable to walk or stay mobile after the procedure
- have an active skin infection over the area to be treated
How sclerotherapy is done
1. Preparing
Skip lotion on your legs the day of your visit. Dr. Elbaridi reviews your ultrasound and marks the veins to treat.
2. The injections
Using a very fine needle, Dr. Elbaridi injects the sclerosant into each targeted vein. You may feel a slight pinch or a mild burning sensation as the solution goes in. No anesthesia is needed.
3. Compression
Compression is applied before you leave, and you walk out of the office on your own.
How long it takes
A session typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated. Plan on about an hour in the office in total.
Getting home
No sedation is used, so you can drive yourself home.
Recovery and results
Activity
You can return to your normal activities right away; a short walk is a good idea. Avoid strenuous exercise and sun on the treated areas for a couple of weeks.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings are usually worn for 1–2 weeks after sclerotherapy, during the day. Larger veins treated with ultrasound guidance may need the longer end of that range.
Results
Treated veins typically begin to fade within a few weeks, with full results over a few months. Some patients need more than one session. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart. Treated veins rarely return; new ones can form.
Possible side effects
Bruising, swelling, redness or small raised red areas at the injection sites are common and usually fade within a few days to weeks. Other possible skin effects include brown discoloration along the treated vein (hyperpigmentation), which usually fades over months; a patch of tiny new red vessels near the treated area (matting); and, rarely, a small sore at an injection site. Dr. Elbaridi goes over the risks with you before treatment.
When to call
Call the office if you have:
- a painful, hard lump along a treated vein that keeps getting worse
- a sore or blister at an injection site
- significant swelling in the treated leg
- questions about your stockings or recovery
Go to the emergency room right away if you have:
- sudden chest pain
- shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- severe leg swelling that gets worse quickly
- vision changes, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
- signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as facial swelling
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, MD
- Harvard Medical School phlebology training (2015)
- Medtronic VenaSeal and radiofrequency ablation certification (2019)
- Boston Scientific Varithena certification (2023)
What insurance covers
Sclerotherapy for spider veins is not covered by insurance. If it is the only treatment you need, you can book it on its own as a cash-pay procedure.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy done as part of treatment for symptomatic venous insufficiency is a medical procedure and is covered by most plans, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage, when medical necessity is documented. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
Insurance accepted
Most insurance accepted, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on medical necessity — we verify before your visit.
Questions before you book? Call (312) 414-1088.
What Chicago patients say about Loop
Dr. Elbaridi and the entire team are truly exceptional. Their bedside manner and genuine care make you feel like more than just another patient…
I’ve been coming to Loop Medical Center for my vein procedures with Dr. Nidal, and I couldn’t be more impressed…
Sclerotherapy questions, answered
Does sclerotherapy hurt?
You may feel a slight pinch or a mild burning sensation as the solution goes in. The procedure does not require anesthesia.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the number and size of the veins. Some patients need more than one session. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart.
Is sclerotherapy covered by insurance?
Sclerotherapy for spider veins is not covered by insurance. If it is the only treatment you need, you can book it on its own as a cash-pay procedure. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy that is part of treatment for venous insufficiency is covered by most plans.
Can I exercise after sclerotherapy?
You can return to your normal activities right away; a short walk is a good idea. Avoid strenuous exercise and sun on the treated areas for a couple of weeks.
Will the spider veins come back?
Treated veins rarely return; new ones can form.
Who performs the treatment?
Dr. Nidal Elbaridi performs every procedure in the office at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Related pages
Book your vein evaluation at Loop Medical Center
Same-week appointments at our South Loop and Streeterville locations.
Opens our secure booking calendar — this page stays open.
Workers’ Comp, HMO referral or complex insurance? Call (312) 414-1088.