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Spider & Reticular Vein Treatment in Lauderdale Lakes

Sclerotherapy for Spider & Reticular Veins in Lauderdale Lakes

Those thin red, blue, or purple veins on your legs aren't just a cosmetic concern — for many people they also bring aching, burning, or a heavy, tired feeling at the end of the day. At Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC, Dr. Jonathan Mollineda, DPM, Board Qualified ABFAS and Diplomate ABPM, offers in-office sclerotherapy to treat spider and reticular veins. We help patients throughout Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, Lauderhill, and Broward County improve the look and comfort of their legs with a quick, minimally invasive treatment.

What Are Spider and Reticular Veins?

Both are small, visible veins near the surface of the skin, and they often appear together:

Spider veins (telangiectasias): Very fine red, blue, or purple veins that sit just beneath the skin, often in a web or branch-like pattern. They're usually less than a millimeter wide and are most common on the thighs, calves, and ankles.

Reticular veins: Slightly larger blue or green veins, typically one to three millimeters wide, that sit a little deeper than spider veins. They often act as "feeder" veins that supply spider veins, which is why treating them together gives better results.

Neither is the same as a varicose vein — the large, rope-like bulging veins that may require a different approach. Sclerotherapy is the long-established, gold-standard treatment specifically for spider and reticular veins.

What Causes Spider and Reticular Veins?

These veins develop when small valves inside the vein weaken and blood pools instead of flowing efficiently back toward the heart. Several factors raise your risk:

Genetics: A family history of spider or varicose veins is one of the strongest predictors.

Prolonged standing or sitting: Jobs and routines that keep you on your feet — or seated — for long stretches increase pressure in the leg veins.

Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, hormonal birth control, and menopause can all contribute.

Age: Vein walls and valves naturally weaken over time.

Sun exposure and injury: Both can trigger small surface veins, particularly on fair skin.

Signs It May Be Time for Treatment

Many people seek sclerotherapy for appearance alone, which is a perfectly valid reason. Others notice symptoms that point to treatment, including:

• Aching, throbbing, or a heavy feeling in the legs

• Burning or itching over the visible veins

• Discomfort that worsens after long periods of standing

• Self-consciousness that keeps you from wearing shorts, dresses, or going to the beach

A consultation lets Dr. Mollineda confirm that your veins are appropriate for sclerotherapy and rule out a larger underlying vein problem.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy treats unwanted veins from the inside. Using a very fine needle, Dr. Mollineda injects a small amount of an FDA-approved sclerosant solution directly into the targeted vein. The solution irritates the vein's lining, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over the following weeks, the closed vein is gradually absorbed by your body and fades from view, while blood naturally reroutes through healthy nearby veins.

It's a simple, in-office procedure that requires no general anesthesia and no incisions.

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical sclerotherapy session takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many veins are treated. You'll lie comfortably while Dr. Mollineda cleanses the area and makes a series of tiny injections. Most patients describe only a minor stinging or cramping sensation that passes quickly. Several veins can usually be treated in a single visit, and you walk out the same day.

Because each vein responds individually, most people need a series of two to four sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, for the best results. Dr. Mollineda will give you a realistic plan at your consultation.

Recovery and Aftercare

One of the advantages of sclerotherapy is the minimal downtime — most patients return to normal daily activities right away. To get the best result, we'll typically ask you to:

Wear compression stockings as directed (often for one to two weeks) to help the treated veins close.

Walk regularly to keep blood circulating, but avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.

Avoid sun exposure on the treated area for several weeks to reduce the chance of discoloration.

Skip hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs for the first few days.

Mild bruising, redness, or small raised areas at the injection sites are normal and fade over days to weeks. Treated veins generally don't return, though new spider veins can form over time, and some patients choose periodic touch-up sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Most patients feel only a brief sting or mild cramping as the solution is injected. No anesthesia is needed, and any discomfort typically passes within seconds.

How many treatments will I need?

It varies by how many veins you have and how they respond, but most people achieve their goal in two to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Dr. Mollineda gives you a personalized estimate at your consultation.

When will I see results?

Smaller spider veins often fade within three to six weeks; larger reticular veins can take a few months. Results continue to improve as your body absorbs the treated veins.

Is sclerotherapy covered by insurance?

Treatment of spider and reticular veins is usually considered cosmetic, so it's typically not covered by insurance and is paid out of pocket. Our front desk will review pricing with you up front so there are no surprises. Call (754) 296-5900 for details.

Do the veins come back after treatment?

Veins that are properly treated usually don't reopen. However, the tendency to form spider veins doesn't go away, so new ones can appear over time. Many patients return for occasional maintenance sessions.

Who is not a good candidate?

Sclerotherapy isn't recommended during pregnancy or for certain medical conditions. Dr. Mollineda reviews your health history at your consultation to make sure it's a safe option for you.