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Treatment · Cosmetic Vein Care

AscleraSclerotherapy

FDA-approved injectable treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins.

Asclera (polidocanol) is the gold-standard injectable treatment for cosmetic spider veins and small varicose veins. Performed in our Lake Charles office with no anesthesia, minimal downtime, and gradual fading of the treated vessels over the following weeks. CareCredit accepted.

Request a Consult Call (337) 425-9300

Minimally invasive vein care.

Spider veins — the fine red, blue, or purple webbing on the thighs, calves, and ankles — are extremely common, affecting roughly half of women and a meaningful share of men. They're usually a cosmetic concern, but they can also itch, burn, or ache, particularly if they're associated with underlying venous insufficiency.

Asclera is the FDA-approved injectable sclerosing solution we use to fade them. The procedure is decades old, well-studied, and very well-tolerated. With ultra-fine needles, a small amount of solution is delivered directly into each visible vessel — the vessel walls swell shut, the body absorbs the closed vessel over the following weeks, and the visible spider vein fades from view.

Personalized care with noticeable results.

Cosmetic vein treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. Before any Asclera, we evaluate whether your spider veins are isolated or whether they're being fed by a larger underlying refluxing vein. If there's significant underlying venous insufficiency, treating the spider veins on the surface without addressing the source leads to faster recurrence. In those cases we treat the underlying disease first (often EVLT or Varithena) and then come back for cosmetic Asclera for any remaining surface vessels.

For patients whose spider veins are truly isolated cosmetic concerns, Asclera goes straight to work. Most patients see meaningful fading within three to six weeks of a session, with full results at eight to twelve weeks. One to three sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, are typical for most patients to achieve their goal.

What happens at your visit.

Before treatment

  • Brief evaluation of the spider veins to be treated
  • Determination of whether a venous reflux ultrasound is indicated to rule out underlying disease
  • Avoid sun exposure on the treatment area for 1–2 weeks prior
  • Stop certain blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo) for a few days before treatment if cleared by your other physicians — these can worsen bruising
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to your appointment

The procedure itself

  • You lie comfortably on a treatment table with the legs slightly elevated
  • The treatment area is cleansed with antiseptic
  • Asclera is injected into the targeted vessels through ultra-fine needles
  • Each injection takes only seconds; multiple injections per session are typical
  • You may feel mild stinging or cramping during the injection — these fade within a minute or two
  • The full session typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area treated

After the procedure

  • Compression stockings or bandages are applied — worn for 24 hours to several days, depending on the area
  • Walk immediately after the procedure — this helps the solution disperse and promotes healing
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, and direct sun on the treated area for 48–72 hours
  • Some bruising, redness, or raised marks at injection sites — normal, fades over days to weeks
  • Treated vessels begin to fade gradually starting around 3–6 weeks

Cost and financing.

Because cosmetic Asclera for spider veins is generally not covered by insurance, we offer transparent pricing at your consultation and accept CareCredit financing to help spread the cost over time with flexible no-interest and extended payment options.

If your spider veins are symptomatic and there's documented underlying venous insufficiency on ultrasound, portions of treatment may qualify for insurance coverage. Our billing team helps you understand what does and doesn't apply to your specific case.

Ready to schedule a consultation? Call (337) 425-9300.

Why Lake Area Vein Center

Vein care from a surgical group.

01

Board-certified surgeons

Drs. Devin Seale, Stephen Castleberry, and Matthew Ayo perform every procedure. Same surgeons who operate at the local hospital.

02

In-office diagnostic ultrasound

Venous reflux ultrasound by a vascular technologist in our Lake Charles office. Surgeon reviews findings at a clinic visit about a week later.

03

50 years caring for SW Louisiana

The dedicated vein program of Sulphur Surgical Clinic — locally owned, family-run, serving Calcasieu, Beauregard, Allen, and Cameron parishes.

Frequently asked

Questions patients ask about this treatment.

What is Asclera?

Asclera (polidocanol) is an FDA-approved injectable sclerosing solution specifically indicated for the cosmetic treatment of spider veins and small varicose veins of the legs. It has a long safety record — polidocanol has been used in sclerotherapy for over 50 years and is widely regarded as one of the most effective and best-tolerated sclerosants available.

How does it work?

A small amount of Asclera is injected directly into the spider veins using an ultra-fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the targeted vessel, causing it to swell shut, collapse, and gradually be absorbed by the body over the following weeks. Once the vessel is closed, it fades from view as the body reabsorbs it.

What veins can it treat?

Asclera is best suited to spider veins (telangiectasias — the fine red, blue, or purple webbing near the surface of the skin) and small varicose veins up to about 4 mm in diameter. For larger varicose veins or veins fed by an underlying refluxing trunk vein, we typically treat the source first with EVLT or Varithena before doing cosmetic Asclera for any remaining surface vessels.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe the injections as a mild pinching or stinging sensation that fades within a minute or two. The needles are very fine. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and requires no anesthesia.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients achieve their goals in one to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. The number depends on the extent and distribution of your spider veins. We give you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on what we see.

What's the recovery like?

Minimal. Compression stockings or bandages for 24 hours to several days afterward, depending on the area treated. Walking immediately after is encouraged — it helps the solution disperse and promotes healing. Avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure on the treated area, and hot baths or saunas for 48 to 72 hours. Most patients return to work the same day.

Will compression stockings be required?

Yes, for a short period — typically a few days. Compression helps maintain pressure on the treated vessels as they close. Specifics depend on the area treated and the size of the vessels.

Is Asclera covered by insurance?

Cosmetic Asclera for spider veins is generally not covered by insurance, because cosmetic vein treatment is considered elective. CareCredit financing is accepted to help spread the cost. If your spider veins are symptomatic and there's documented underlying venous insufficiency on ultrasound, portions of treatment may qualify for coverage — we'll help you understand what does and doesn't apply to your specific case.

Are there side effects?

Common and expected: temporary bruising, redness, or raised areas at injection sites; darkening of the treated vessels (hyperpigmentation) that fades over weeks to months in most patients; mild itching for a few days. Less common: matting (development of fine new vessels nearby), which usually resolves on its own. Rare: allergic reaction to the sclerosant, small skin ulcer at an injection site, blood clot in a treated superficial vein. We review your specific risk factors and any contraindications (current pregnancy, certain clotting disorders) before treatment.

How soon will I see results?

Treated vessels begin to fade within three to six weeks as the body reabsorbs them. Full results are typically visible at eight to twelve weeks. Some darker vessels may take longer to fully resolve. Some vessels may temporarily look darker or more prominent for the first one to two weeks before they begin to fade — this is normal and is not a sign of treatment failure.

Will my spider veins come back?

Treated vessels do not return. However, new spider veins can develop over time, particularly if underlying contributing factors (genetics, hormones, prolonged standing, pregnancy) remain. Many patients choose periodic maintenance sessions every one to two years to stay ahead of new development.

Ready to schedule?

Most patients are seen within two weeks.

An in-office vein ultrasound is the first step. Our front desk verifies your insurance and walks you through scheduling.

Lake Charles · (337) 425-9300 Sulphur · (337) 527-6363