What sclerotherapy is and how it works

Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment for superficial varicose veins and spider veins. It involves applying microinjections inside the visible vessel; the substance used produces a reaction in the vessel wall that leads to its closure.

Once closed, the vessel no longer receives flow and the body gradually reabsorbs it. That is the mechanism by which the visible lesion disappears and the skin of the legs regains a more even tone.

It is an in-office procedure that requires precision: identifying which vessels to treat, in what order and with which technique is part of medical judgment. That is why the prior assessment with Dr. Sandro Florez is not a formality, but the foundation of the result.

Who it is indicated for and who it is not

Sclerotherapy is intended for people with superficial varicose veins and spider veins who are looking for legs with a more even appearance. It is of interest to both women and men, and it can be applied at different ages.

It is not a universal treatment. There are situations where it is better to postpone it, study the case first or choose another option: vascular history requiring additional evaluation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, skin conditions in the area to be treated, or conditions the physician considers should be managed beforehand.

The physician decides whether the case is suitable during the assessment. At that appointment the legs are examined, the reason for consultation is discussed, and what can and cannot be expected is explained clearly.

What the procedure is like at Dr. Sandro Florez's practice

Assessment

Everything begins with a consultation in Bogotá. The legs are examined, treatable vessels are identified, history and expectations are reviewed, and the plan is defined: which areas will be worked on and how the sessions are organized.

Application

Sclerotherapy is performed with microinjections directed at each vessel. The physician works progressively on the lesions selected for that session.

After the session

This is an outpatient procedure. Care instructions are provided and the corresponding follow-up is scheduled. Session length and the number of sessions depend on each patient: the physician defines this during the assessment, based on the extent and type of vessels.

Results: what to expect and when

Treated vessels close and, once reabsorbed, disappear permanently. The change is perceived gradually as the body clears the closed vessel, so it is best to assess the result calmly and at follow-up visits, not the day after the session.

In well-selected patients, the skin of the legs tends to look cleaner and more even. Even so, results are not guaranteed: the response varies according to vessel type, extent and each person's characteristics.

One important point: although treated varicose veins do not come back, new vessels may appear over time. That is why periodic follow-up is recommended and, when appropriate, maintenance sessions defined by the physician.

Aftercare and recovery

This is an outpatient procedure that does not require time off. You can resume your routine immediately, avoiding only intense exercise and direct sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours.

Usual recommendations:

  • Walk normally and stay active within what has been indicated.
  • Avoid high-intensity exercise and local heat in the first hours.
  • Protect the area from the sun while the skin recovers.
  • Follow the specific instructions given by the physician, including the use of elastic support if he considers it necessary.
  • Attend follow-up visits to assess progress and plan next steps.

There may be mild tenderness or a temporary change in color at the microinjection sites, which usually subsides over the following days.

Why have it done with a physician in Bogotá

Sclerotherapy looks simple because it is applied with microinjections, but there are clinical decisions behind it: distinguishing which vessel should be treated, which requires prior study and which should not be treated yet. A physician makes that assessment.

At his Bogotá practice, Dr. Sandro Florez, a physician and surgeon with experience in aesthetic medicine, evaluates each case individually before proposing a plan. That means speaking frankly about what the treatment can achieve, what it cannot, and the need for follow-up over time.

Safety also depends on the setting: a procedure performed in a medical office, with controlled technique, clear written instructions and scheduled follow-up. Personalization is not an extra: it is what separates a well-indicated treatment from a generic one.

Combining it with other treatments

Varicose veins are treated on their own, but many patients come to the practice with broader goals for their body or skin. In those cases, the physician may suggest a plan that sets priorities over time.

What to combine, in what order and how much time to leave between procedures is a medical decision. You can review the full picture under treatments.