Myth Busting: Does Blue Light Therapy Work for Varicose or Spider Veins?

Blue Light Therapy Debunked

Blue light therapy is often touted by med spas or less reputable websites as a quick way of treating spider veins and varicose veins. In fact, “Blue light pen for spider veins” is a highly searched term with millions of results—but don’t be fooled. These inexpensive pens and blue light therapy “solutions” are popular because they’re marketed as a treatment that doesn't require a visit to a doctor, and thus it is the only option med spas can offer. However, the truth is that blue light therapy pens are not proven to be effective.

Some patients do notice a small difference after multiple expensive treatments; however, there is no guarantee. Over time, the claim with blue light therapy is that the heat destroys the damaged blood vessel, and then it shrinks and dissolves. The process is lengthy and expensive, and long-term results aren't likely.

Sclerotherapy and excel V+ Laser treatments, on the other hand, are an effective and cost-effective vein treatment performed by a vein doctor that targets the source of visible veins to achieve long-term results.

Sclerotherapy as Treatment Instead of Blue Light Therapy

Sclerotherapy is an FDA-approved medical treatment for eliminating spider veins and varicose veins. Unlike blue light therapy, sclerotherapy is a proven, safe, and effective treatment that can only be administered by a trained medical professional.

Sclerotherapy works by injecting a medicated foam into each of the problem veins. As the walls of the veins come in contact with the foam, they then stick together, which prevents blood from flowing into that area. This procedure causes the vein to shrink, thus reducing the swelling. Over time, the spider veins vanish or fade, and sometimes several treatments are necessary to completely get rid of the veins. As the veins disappear, they get reabsorbed into the body and allow blood flow to divert to better, healthier veins.

Sclerotherapy must be performed at a doctor’s office by a medical professional, such as:

• A dermatologist
• A vein specialist
• A plastic surgeon
• A cosmetic surgeon
• A vein doctor
• A vascular surgeon

Here’s How Your Sclerotherapy Appointment Will Work

Depending on the specific veins requiring treatment, your vein specialist at Metro Vein Centers may treat larger veins with duplex ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. During this treatment , our doctors use an ultrasound to map out and visualize the problematic veins. The process allows for a more accurate monitoring of the injected sclerotherapy solution.

During the procedure, you'll lie on your back and elevate your legs slightly. Your doctor will cleanse and treat the area with alcohol, and use a superfine needle to insert the solution into the varicose or spider veins.

Some patients experience minor stinging as the needle is inserted into the vein. After each quick injection, your doctor will apply compression to the area and massage it to keep blood away from the injected vein. Then, they'll tape a compression pad onto the site to keep the area compressed while the next vein is treated. How many injections you'll need depends on the size and number of veins requiring treatment.

What Happens After Treatment?

Sclerotherapy is a quick and simple procedure. In fact, an entire sclerotherapy treatment typically only takes 10–15 minutes to perform. It’s done right in our New York, New Jersey, or Michigan Metro Vein Centers specialized vein clinics, and you can return to work right away. After undergoing sclerotherapy, you’ll typically wear compression stockings for a couple days, and avoid prolonged sun exposure for a few weeks. After the procedure, spider veins will begin to disappear, though it can take a few weeks for complete results. Depending on the severity of the spider veins or varicose veins, some patients need multiple treatments.

Choose Sclerotherapy Over Blue Light Therapy

Many people try blue light therapy to treat their varicose or spider veins, but this cheap med spa or at-home remedy can end up being costly and ineffective.

If you have varicose veins or spider veins, they could be indicative of a more serious issue. The safest and most cost-effective way to treat your veins is by going to a vein doctor for an initial appointment, and discussing treatment options with them.

Spider Veins or Varicose Veins? We Can Help

We offer more than just sclerotherapy at our vein clinics Our board-certified vein doctors will meet with you one-on-one to determine what the best treatment options are for you.

Blue light therapy is an unproven fad, but all of our FDA-approved treatment options at Metro Vein Centers, from excel V+ Laser, to radiofrequency ablation, and Varithena, have been successfully performed at our vein clinics for years. Plus, every single one of our vein specialists will work with you to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with your final results.

When it comes to treating unsightly veins in your legs, sclerotherapy is the way to go. Blue light therapy and blue light pens from an online store may sound like affordable, fast fixes, but when it comes to your body, it’s best to leave medical treatment to a medical professional.